Vatican City - The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has reiterated his stance that artificial intelligence must always be used for the benefit of humanity, emphasizing ethical considerations and the need to mitigate inherent risks.
His remarks came during an audience in the Vatican with participants of the international convention on 'Generative Artificial Intelligence and Technocratic Paradigm,' organized by the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Vatican Foundation.
The Holy Father expressed gratitude to those involved for their commitment to exploring how AI can enhance human dignity and serve marginalized communities.
"I appreciate," he expressed, "that the Centesimus Annus has given ample space to this subject, involving scholars and experts from different countries and disciplines, analysing the opportunities and risks related to the development and use of AI."
He commended Centesimus Annus for providing a platform for scholars and experts from various countries and disciplines to analyze both the opportunities and risks associated with AI development and deployment.
Emphasizing his concern, the Holy Father cautioned against AI becoming autonomous, asserting that it should always remain under human control as a tool. He warned against the potential for AI to contribute to a 'throwaway culture,' exacerbate inequality, and make decisions beyond its rightful scope.
Encouraging continued reflection on the true purpose of AI, the Holy Father posed critical questions about its role in meeting human needs and promoting integral human development versus enhancing the power of a few technological giants to the detriment of humanity.
Given the pivotal role of technological innovation in shaping humanity's future, the Holy Father urged a renewed approach that prioritizes human dignity at its core. He underscored the importance of not misusing the term 'intelligence' in the context of AI, challenging participants to consider whether such misuse surrenders to technocratic power.
Pope Francis encouraged Centesimus Annus to persist boldly in its commitment, particularly applauding its collaboration on a new research project with the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU).
Pope Francis concluded by offering what he described as "a provocation."
"Are we sure we want to continue to call 'intelligence' what intelligence is not?" he said. Insisting that we must think about this, he urged them to ask themselves "whether the misuse of this word, that is so important, and so human, is not already a surrender to technocratic power."