In an age where artificial intelligence can generate hyper-realistic images, videos, and even voices, everyday truths (and the very idea of truth itself) are often under threat. What happens when our eyes and ears can no longer be trusted? The Vatican’s recent document, Antiqua et Nova, raises urgent questions about AI’s impact on truth and calls for a renewed commitment to moral responsibility in the digital age.
The rise of AI-generated deception
From photorealistic deepfakes to AI-generated news articles, technology has made it easier than ever to create and spread falsehoods. While misinformation has always been a challenge, AI amplifies the problem by making deception nearly undetectable. A fake speech from a world leader, a fabricated news clip, or even an AI-simulated conversation could manipulate public opinion and erode trust in institutions. If we cannot distinguish between what is real and what is artificial, truth itself becomes a casualty.
Antiqua et Nova warns against this growing crisis, stating that AI risks distorting “our relationship with others and with reality.” When truth becomes elusive, society suffers: democracy weakens, trust in journalism fades, and human relationships become fragile.
Pope Francis has also spoken on this issue, cautioning against a digital world where lies spread faster than facts and where deception can be used as a tool of power.
Truth as a moral obligation
For Christians, truth is not just about accuracy — it is a moral duty. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6), making truth central to the Christian worldview. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that truthfulness is essential to human dignity and social harmony (CCC 2468). In a time when AI-generated falsehoods can manipulate emotions and opinions, people of faith are called to uphold truth with even greater vigilance.
This means cultivating discernment, being cautious about what we consume and share online, and holding digital creators accountable. It also means recognizing that truth is not merely about information but about integrity. The Church reminds us that responsible communication — rooted in honesty and respect for others — is essential for a just society.
Can we safeguard truth in the AI age?
What can be done to counter AI-driven deception? First, education is crucial. Schools, universities, and faith communities must help people develop critical thinking skills to question sources and verify information. Second, ethical AI development must be prioritized. Tech companies bear responsibility for ensuring their tools are not used to spread lies, and governments must establish regulations to prevent AI from being weaponized against truth.
Finally, Christians are called to be witnesses to truth — not only in resisting falsehoods but in actively promoting honesty, justice, and transparency in both digital and personal interactions. In a world where AI challenges our ability to trust what we see, the commitment to truth must be stronger than ever.
As Antiqua et Nova reminds us, technology should serve humanity, not undermine it. AI may change how we access and interpret information, but it should never redefine our commitment to what is real. The responsibility to safeguard truth ultimately lies not in machines, but in us.
