AI Must Serve Human Dignity, Not Violate It: Pope Francis to World Economic Forum

Francis also challenged government and business leaders to implement AI in ways “to bring people together” and not simply as a “tool” for economic cooperation.

“There is, however, the risk that AI will be used to advance the ‘technocratic paradigm,’ which perceives all the world’s problems as solvable through technological means alone,” the Holy Father said.

“Within this paradigm, human dignity and fraternity are frequently subordinated in the pursuit of efficiency as though reality, goodness, and truth inherently emanate from technological and economic power,” he continued.

Pointing out other risks posed by AI, the Holy Father said critical questions must be addressed, including “its effect on the growing crisis of truth in the public forum,” ethical responsibility, and human safety.

Emphasizing that “human dignity must never be violated,” the pope said technological developments that “create or worsen inequalities and conflicts” are not true progress: “For this reason, AI should be placed at the service of a healthier, more human, more social, and more integral development.”

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The Holy Father also highlighted Catholic social teaching in his message, saying the principle of “subsidiarity” is necessary to achieve the common good in the “Intelligent Age.”

“Appropriate responses should be made at all levels of society,” he said, “with individual users, families, civil society, corporations, institutions, governments, and international organizations working at their proper levels to ensure that AI is directed to the good of all.” 

“Today, there are significant challenges and opportunities when AI is placed within a framework of relational intelligence, where everyone shares responsibility for the integral well-being of others,” he concluded.

Kristina Millare is a freelance journalist with a professional communications background in the humanitarian aid and development sector, news journalism, entertainment marketing, politics and government, business and entrepreneurship.