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"The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race," Pope Francis said, quoting a BBC interview with physicist Stephen Hawking (1942-2018). The occasion was an audience on June 22, 2024, with participants at a conference organized by the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation. They had been at the Augustinian Patristic Institute on June 20-21, discussing the theme of "Generative Artificial Intelligence and Technocratic paradigm: how to promote the wellbeing of humanity, care for nature and a world of peace."
Priority must be given to ethics and humanity
The Pope recalled that AI is a central theme, as it "is dramatically influencing the economy and social life, and can have a negative impact on the quality of life, interpersonal and international relations, global stability and our common home."
Following on from his January 1 Message for the World Day of Peace and his recent June 14 address to the G7, the Argentine pontiff once again denounced the risk of sacrificing human freedom to "technocratic power." "Are we certain that we should continue to call 'intelligent' something that in fact is not?" asked Francis, denouncing the inappropriate use of this word which is “important, properly ‘human.’”
Recalling in particular the importance of an "ethical development of algorithms," the Pope reiterated that AI must remain "a tool in human hands," and not escape his control.
Scientists, jurists, political and economic decision-makers must work "in dialogue [...] to identify together the limits to be placed on innovation lest AI develop to the detriment of humanity," Francis said. In particular, the Pope called for "effective regulation [...] on the one hand to stimulate ethical innovation useful for the progress of humanity, and on the other to prohibit or limit undesirable effects."
Multidisciplinary reflection is needed
He stressed the importance of taking into account the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence from the perspective of the fields of education, philosophy, and law. He also called for reflection on the consequences of AI on the world of work and on energy expenditure. "The future of the economy, civilization, and humanity itself is being shaped by technological innovation. We must not pass up the chance to think and act in a new way, using our minds, our hearts and our hands, and thus to steer innovation towards a model that gives priority to human dignity," insisted Pope Francis.
