How the Vatican Views Artificial Intelligence

Franciscan monk Paolo Benanti, aged 50, a professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome supported by the Vatican, and an advisor to Pope Francis on artificial intelligence and technology ethics, resides in a monastery in the heart of Italy's capital. The influential publication Politico, part of the German Axel Springer group, which also owns Business Insider, conducted an interview with him on the topic of AI.

Father Benanti has significantly influenced the theory of artificial intelligence through strategic documents like the Rome Call for AI Ethics. This initiative by the Vatican aims to establish basic moral rules for this emerging technology. The document has garnered support from tech giants such as Microsoft and IBM, religious leaders worldwide, the Italian government, and the Rome-based United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Consequently, Benanti has become a well-known figure among tech VIPs. For instance, Microsoft President Brad Smith, who has known him for years, invited him to his podcast, and Italy's Prime Minister Giulia Meloni has offered him the role of strategic IT advisor to the government.

Some of the Vatican official Paolo Benanti's ideas include:

• Some people treat artificial intelligence like idols, oracles, or demigods. The risk is that they delegate their critical thinking and decision-making power to these machines.
• The greatest risk is that AI might take or be used to make decisions about people's lives in a clandestine and undemocratic way.

As generative artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, begins to dominate the world, Benanti is particularly concerned about two potential consequences:

• First, the impact AI, especially when controlled by Big Tech monopolies, could have on jobs.
• Second, Benanti is worried about the prospect of people becoming overly dependent on artificial intelligence systems for significant life choices. "We need to give people back the ability to decide according to their own conscience," he says.

Benanti also sees advantages to technology. He suggests, for example, that generative AI systems could be trained on the Church's vast repository of scriptures, texts, and religious images to make them more accessible. "An interface could be built to make these religious knowledges available to all cultures and social classes. The Church's written and artistic heritage is full of complicated symbols, and AI could explain them in a simpler way," he believes.

The first degree this Franciscan monk earned was in engineering. Now, among other things, he must explain to the Pope how a fake yet amusing image of the Holy Father wearing a lavish white Balenciaga puffer jacket went viral last year, which many took for real.

This engagement between the Vatican and artificial intelligence reflects a broader dialogue on the intersection of faith, ethics, and technology. As AI continues to evolve, figures like Benanti play a crucial role in guiding these discussions, ensuring that technological advancements align with moral and ethical considerations. The Vatican's proactive stance on AI ethics underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and governing technology, one that respects human dignity and seeks the common good.

The Vatican's engagement with artificial intelligence (AI), as exemplified by Franciscan monk Paolo Benanti's advisory role to Pope Francis and involvement in the Rome Call for AI Ethics, highlights a significant trend in the broader dialogue surrounding technology and ethics. This intersection of faith, ethics, and AI is not just a niche concern but part of a growing movement that seeks to ensure technological advancements align with human values and moral principles. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into every aspect of human life, from work to personal decision-making, the need for a comprehensive ethical framework becomes paramount.

Ethical AI and Global Collaboration

The collaboration between the Vatican, tech giants like Microsoft and IBM, and international organizations underscores a trend towards global cooperation in developing ethical guidelines for AI. This partnership approach recognizes that the challenges posed by AI are not confined to any single sector or region but are global in nature. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including religious institutions, there is an opportunity to create a more inclusive and holistic set of ethical standards that consider a wide range of human experiences and values.

The Role of AI in Society and Work

One of Benanti's concerns, the impact of AI on jobs, reflects a broader industry trend towards examining how automation and AI technologies will reshape the workforce. The dialogue is shifting from a focus on the potential for job displacement to a more nuanced discussion about job transformation and the creation of new employment opportunities. This includes exploring how AI can augment human work, improve productivity, and even address labor shortages in certain sectors. However, it also involves addressing the skills gap and ensuring that workers are equipped to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

AI Dependency and Decision-Making

Another of Benanti's points, the risk of becoming overly dependent on AI for significant life choices, touches on a critical debate within the AI community about autonomy and agency. As AI systems become more sophisticated, there is a growing concern about the delegation of ethical and moral decision-making to algorithms. This trend towards "outsourcing" decisions to AI raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the preservation of human judgment. It underscores the need for AI systems that support and enhance human decision-making rather than replace it.

Generative AI and Cultural Accessibility

Benanti's suggestion that generative AI could make religious knowledge more accessible to diverse cultures and social classes points to a broader trend in the use of AI for educational and cultural purposes. Generative AI, with its ability to create content and simulate human-like interactions, has the potential to democratize access to knowledge and cultural heritage. This could lead to innovative approaches to education, where AI-powered tools provide personalized learning experiences and make complex subjects more understandable.

The Future of AI Ethics

The Vatican's proactive stance on AI ethics, through initiatives like the Rome Call for AI Ethics, is part of a larger trend towards establishing ethical frameworks that guide the development and deployment of AI. As AI continues to evolve, the industry is moving towards a future where ethical considerations are not an afterthought but a fundamental part of the design and implementation process. This includes developing AI that respects privacy, ensures fairness, and promotes inclusivity.

In conclusion, the dialogue between the Vatican and the AI industry, as represented by figures like Paolo Benanti, is emblematic of the broader trends towards ethical AI, global collaboration, and the responsible integration of technology into society. As we navigate the complexities of an AI-driven future, the insights and perspectives from a diverse range of stakeholders, including religious institutions, will be invaluable in ensuring that technology serves the common good and enhances the human experience.