Vatican City: Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has called for greater international cooperation in regulating artificial intelligence, warning that countries should not try to address the rapidly developing technology on their own.
Parolin made the remarks on September 16 while speaking at a conference on Faith and Reason in the Age of Artificial Intelligence held at the Italian parliament. He urged greater reflection on the possible consequences of AI and its use, particularly for humanity and the common good.
The cardinal said the recent calls for AI regulation from major technology companies should be guided by ethical considerations. He also welcomed Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s appeal for states and international organisations to take responsibility for governing new technologies.
Parolin expressed concern that some countries may seek to develop their own approaches without sufficient international coordination. He said AI is a global phenomenon that requires the participation of all countries and international bodies in establishing common rules.
He also said the Holy See would normally focus on presenting principles rather than proposing immediate technical solutions. Questions of practical cooperation, he said, would need to be addressed by states and the organisations involved.
Asked about his own use of artificial intelligence, Parolin said the technology is becoming increasingly common in everyday life, including when computers automatically provide summaries of material. He added that he does not use AI to prepare his homilies, saying that he tries to bring a human element into them.
The Secretary of State also addressed the continuing conflict in Ukraine and the Holy See’s diplomatic efforts. He acknowledged that the results of the Holy See’s humanitarian diplomacy have so far been limited, but said the Vatican would continue its efforts.
Parolin said the Holy See’s approach was focused on continuing to build channels for humanitarian engagement, with the hope that these efforts could eventually produce results.
He said he did not have information on when Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, would travel to Russia as part of the peacebuilding mission that began in Ukraine last summer. However, he stressed that the Holy See would continue its humanitarian work in the hope of creating opportunities for dialogue.
Parolin also argued that Russia should not be completely isolated and that channels of communication should remain open. In his view, dialogue is necessary for finding possible solutions to the conflict.
Without commenting directly on recent remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen concerning Russian ultra nationalists, Parolin expressed hope that a platform could be created where all sides could feel secure and work towards greater well being and prosperity.
He described this approach as a “win win solution” in diplomacy, in which an agreement brings benefits to both sides rather than seeking victory through the defeat or destruction of the other side.
The cardinal linked his comments on artificial intelligence and international diplomacy to a broader call for cooperation, stressing the importance of shared responsibility and dialogue when dealing with issues that can have consequences beyond national borders.