The new pope wants to take on AI

Pope Leo XIV declares artificial intelligence a challenge to human dignity and aims to address its social implications.

: Pope Leo XIV, newly elected from Chicago as Robert Prevost, is committed to addressing the complex issues posed by artificial intelligence, which he considers a challenge to human dignity. In a meeting with senior church officials, he emphasized the importance of ethical and human-centered AI development. Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII, Leo XIV seeks to provide guidance through Catholic social teachings in response to the AI-driven industrial revolution. His predecessor, Pope Francis, highlighted similar concerns at global forums, stressing the need for the technological impact on human dignity and equity worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV, known as Robert Prevost before his papacy, underscores artificial intelligence as a significant issue of modern times. Hailing from Chicago and elected as the new pope, he made his debut on the central loggia balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, marking the commencement of his papacy. In his initial discussions with church cardinals, he focused on the ethical challenges AI poses, emphasizing its potential impact on human dignity, justice, and labor. His stance signals a proactive approach by the Catholic Church in addressing contemporary technological issues, far from its historically conservative reputation.

The pope's reference to his chosen name highlights his intent to follow in the footsteps of Pope Leo XIII, admired for his pivotal encyclical 'Rerum Novarum'. Issued in 1891, this encyclical addressed the rights and duties of capital and labor, advocating workers' rights and unionization during the Industrial Revolution. By choosing the name Leo, the current pope signifies a continuation of addressing 'the social question' in the context of today's AI advancements.

Pope Francis, Leo XIV's predecessor, also voiced concerns regarding AI, particularly at international platforms such as the 2024 G7 Summit and the World Economic Forum in Davos. Francis’s discourse highlighted the cognitive-industrial revolution sparked by AI, warning it could exacerbate existing injustices globally. In his message to the World Economic Forum, he stressed that efficiency-driven technological advancements must not overshadow human dignity and the common good. He released the document 'Antiqua et Nova', underscoring the need for any AI development to be ethical and aligned with human values.

Analysts view Pope Leo XIV’s initiative as a continuation of Pope Francis’s advocacy for ethical AI. The concern is that, without a human-centric approach, AI could widen socio-economic divides, particularly between developed and developing countries or different social classes. Within the Catholic Church, there's anticipation around how Pope Leo XIV will bring teachings and ethical concerns to the forefront in a digital age dominated by AI technologies. His leadership is expected to address not only ethical aspects but also the broader societal implications of AI developments.

The discussions around AI within the Vatican reflect a broader intersection of technology, ethics, and religion. By engaging in such dialogues, the church seeks to remain relevant in contemporary societal challenges, advocating for the preservation of human dignity as technology evolves. The pope's proactive stance indicates a strategic pivot, aiming to influence global discourse on artificial intelligence and shape the ethical guidelines that govern its development.

Sources: Gizmodo, CNN, Vatican

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