"The Church encourages the advancement of science, technology, the arts, and other forms of human endeavor, viewing them as part of the 'collaboration of man and woman with God in perfecting the visible creation'" but stresses the importance of "the responsible use of reason and technical abilities in the stewardship of the created world."
Thus says the note Antiqua et Nova on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence, published jointly on January 28, 2025, by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education.
This 35-page document - for the moment published only in Italian, Spanish and English - draws extensively on Pope Francis' numerous interventions already made on the subject.
It offers a synthesis of the Catholic Church's thinking on this increasingly central theme in various areas of public life, from media and education to health, defense issues and international relations.
Referring to the work of certain scientists who believe that AI could reach or surpass human intelligence, the note warns that the claim to replace God with a work of one's own hands is idolatry, echoing a traditional temptation against which biblical accounts warn humanity.
[I]t is vital to remember that AI is but a pale reflection of humanity—it is crafted by human minds, trained on human-generated material, responsive to human input, and sustained through human labor. AI cannot possess many of the capabilities specific to human life, and it is also fallible. By turning to AI as a perceived “Other” greater than itself, with which to share existence and responsibilities, humanity risks creating a substitute for God. However, it is not AI that is ultimately deified and worshipped, but humanity itself—which, in this way, becomes enslaved to its own work
A priority issue for the Holy See
In recent years, the Holy See has taken an active part in the conversation on the possible ethical problems that could arise from the spectacular rise of AI.
In 2020, the Pontifical Academy for Life launched the “Rome Appeal for Ethical Artificial Intelligence,” a pact signed by companies such as IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco.
The Pope has personally intervened on several occasions to defend an approach to AI centered on human dignity, speaking in particular at the last G7 summit held in Italy in June 2024.
This new document from the Holy See comes just days after US President Donald Trump announced the launch of “Stargate,” a $500 billion plan to support the development of AI in the United States. The project calls for the construction of data centers to boost AI's technological and energy processing capabilities.
It also comes as the stock market is in a flurry after China's new ventures into AI are showing their power and attractive price tag.
