In a landmark initiative aimed at integrating modern technology into pastoral care, Catholic priests from the dioceses of Suwon, Daegu, and Masan in South Korea participated in a specialized training program focused on the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI). The training, held in Suwon on July 2, 2025, was organized by the Suwon diocesan Office of Social Communications in collaboration with an AI literacy company.

The program introduced priests to various AI tools, including ChatGPT, enabling them to create multimedia content such as presentations, videos, images, and background music for parish events. Participants also learned to operate an AI chatbot that can automatically generate meeting minutes, thereby reducing administrative burdens.

Father Lee Cheol-gu, head of the diocesan communications office, said the goal of the training was to provide clergy with hands-on skills that could be used in pastoral settings. He emphasized that the initiative responds to the growing relevance of AI in daily life and its potential to enhance church activities.

Several priests who took part in the training expressed optimism about the role of AI in ministry. Father Ignazio Son Chang-hyun from Suwon noted that AI could support preaching and pastoral outreach by analyzing data to better understand the spiritual needs of parishioners. Father Bartolomeo Choi Jae-yong, who serves in both Daegu and Masan, said religion should actively engage with science and technology to ensure its ethical use and prevent misuse.

However, some priests also voiced concerns about AI’s limitations. Father Leone Lee Jae-geun, who coordinates communications for the diocese, pointed out inaccuracies in AI-generated religious content. He noted that Catholic and Protestant terms are sometimes confused, and that incorrect information about saints is often circulated. He called for collaboration between Church authorities and tech companies to address these issues.

This initiative marks South Korea’s first diocesan-level program focused on the practical use of AI in pastoral ministry. It reflects a broader movement within the global Catholic Church to explore digital tools for evangelization and community building, while maintaining a cautious and ethical approach.

As the Church in South Korea continues to embrace technology, similar training programs may soon be adopted by other dioceses, setting a precedent for how religious institutions worldwide can engage with the evolving digital landscape.