Pope Calls for Ethical AI Management at 2025 Summit
Pope Leo XIV advocates for ethical AI management at the AI for Good Summit.
Key Points
- • Pope Leo XIV emphasizes AI governance focusing on human dignity.
- • Cardinal Parolin highlights ethical frameworks over mere efficiency.
- • AI's autonomy raises ethical implications needing clarity.
- • Recognition of 2.6 billion people lacking access to communication technologies.
During the AI for Good Summit 2025 from July 8-11 in Geneva, Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered a pivotal message on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the need for ethical management and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). He called on global leaders and technology experts to develop governance frameworks that prioritize human dignity and the common good when deploying AI technologies.
Pope Leo XIV's address underscored the importance of establishing a governance network that ensures AI serves humanity rather than merely maximizing efficiency and utility. Cardinal Parolin highlighted that both AI developers and users bear ethical responsibilities, urging participants to seek clarity on the anthropological implications of AI’s increasing autonomy. He indicated that while AI can perform tasks efficiently, it critically lacks moral discernment and the capacity for human relationships.
Addressing the digital divide, with approximately 2.6 billion individuals lacking access to communication technologies, Cardinal Parolin reiterated the necessity for a more humane order in social relations. He praised the role of the International Telecommunication Union, celebrating its 160th anniversary, for fostering global cooperation in communication technologies. The Cardinal called for regulatory frameworks that not only acknowledge these issues but actively work to bridge the digital divide, thereby contributing to integral human development and ensuring the rapid advancements in technology do not leave vulnerable populations behind.
“Humanity stands at a crossroads, facing both benefits and challenges posed by AI,” he noted, emphasizing that ethical governance of AI should be seen as a vital endeavor towards ensuring a just and inclusive society.
As discussions continue, the Vatican’s stance reflects a broader recognition of the need for ethical frameworks, encouraging a collaborative approach that includes dialogue across cultures and disciplines in the quest for responsible AI development.