TLDR: Theology scholars are actively examining Pope Francis’s encyclicals to inform the development of ethical AI guidelines, particularly focusing on AI governance within the context of a ‘polycrisis.’ This interdisciplinary effort seeks to integrate human dignity and the common good into the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and complex global challenges, theology scholars are increasingly turning to the teachings of Pope Francis to shape ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) governance. This initiative aims to infuse proposed AI guidelines with principles rooted in human dignity and the common good, addressing the multifaceted ‘polycrisis’ facing the world today.
Pope Francis has emerged as a leading moral voice in the discourse surrounding AI, advocating for its development and deployment with human dignity at its core. His vision, articulated in various speeches and writings, including his 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti, emphasizes that AI should serve ‘our best human potential and our highest aspirations,’ rather than merely competing with or surpassing human capabilities. He has consistently warned against the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities, leading to job displacement and the concentration of wealth ‘for the few’ while impoverishing the many, thereby diminishing the dignity of work.
Church scholars have further elaborated on these concerns, reflecting on AI’s inherent limits. In the recent Vatican doctrinal note Antiqua et Nova, three essential human capacities that AI cannot replicate were identified: the wisdom derived from lived, embodied experience; relationality grounded in authentic human connection; and moral agency, which encompasses the ability to make ethical choices and be held accountable.
This theological and philosophical analysis underscores the urgency of integrating ethical considerations throughout the entire AI ecosystem. Pope Francis views AI systems as ‘fragmentary’ forms of intelligence, capable only of imitating or reproducing certain human cognitive functions. He highlights the ambivalence of AI, noting its potential to overcome ignorance and facilitate information exchange, while simultaneously warning against ‘cognitive pollution’ through the spread of false narratives and deepfakes, which can severely damage human relationships.
In April 2025, a global convening at the Vatican brought together 60 participants, including judges, former government ministers, cardinals, academics, and policymakers. This diverse group examined AI through the lenses of justice, democracy, and ethics, seeking to understand how Pope Francis’s teachings can guide a future where technology enhances human dignity. The discussions challenged attendees to evaluate technological progress not solely by technical capability or profit, but by its effectiveness in serving humanity, ensuring that people remain at the center of innovation.
The Pope’s message resonates beyond religious boundaries, influencing policymakers, technologists, and citizens globally. Leading figures in the AI industry, such as Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and xAI CEO Elon Musk, have sought audiences with the Pope, acknowledging the critical need for ethical frameworks that match the power and reach of AI technologies.
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Furthermore, Pope Francis has stressed the importance of education in the responsible use of AI, advocating for curricula that promote critical thinking and help students and professionals grasp the social and ethical dimensions of technology. He insists that AI should not lead to educational disenfranchisement, emphasizing a ‘theology of AI’ centered on the wisdom of the human heart, to prevent a future ‘rich in technology and poor in humanity.’
