Rome: Medical professionals, ethicists and Church leaders gathered in Rome this week to reflect on how artificial intelligence is changing modern healthcare and how human dignity can be protected as technology advances.
The international meeting, titled *AI and Medicine: The Challenge of Human Dignity*, was organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life together with the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations. Over three days, the conference brought together doctors, researchers, philosophers and theologians to discuss both the promises and risks of using AI in medical practice.
Speakers stressed that while AI can help doctors diagnose illnesses faster and support personalised treatments, technology can never replace the compassion and presence of a human caregiver. Otmar Kloiber, Secretary General of the World Medical Association, warned that digital tools may also increase stress among healthcare workers and deepen inequalities if access is limited to certain groups.
Renzo Pegoraro, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, reminded participants that every patient must first be seen as a person and not only as a collection of data. He said that ethical guidance is essential so that AI is used to support life and protect the dignity of the sick, especially the most vulnerable.
The Vatican has been closely following the rapid development of AI and earlier this year called for stronger oversight to prevent misuse in areas such as healthcare, education and labour. At the conference, Church officials encouraged governments, medical bodies and technology companies to work together on fair rules that keep humans at the center of medical decisions.
The meeting included four main sessions and contributions from more than two dozen experts. A final document with recommendations for ethical use of AI in health is expected to be released soon. The participants will also attend a general audience with the Pope as part of the closing program.
The event highlighted the growing global concern that while AI brings many benefits, it must always remain a tool that serves people and supports the healing mission of medicine.