Use AI for evangelization and common good, says Filipino bishop

A Filipino bishop stressed that modern tech innovations, particularly artificial intelligence, must be used creatively to boost the Church’s evangelization efforts.

According to Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Social Communications of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), these tools must be used ethically and guided by “faith and commitment to human dignity.”

“From streamlining communications to personalizing catechesis and making scriptures and Church teaching accessible to all, AI can become an efficient conveyor of truth,” he said in a Facebook video post.

The bishop’s message was in line with the Universal Church’s observance of the Jubilee dedicated to the Ministry of Social Communications on January 24.

He invited the clergy, religious, and lay people to take this Jubilee to explore more creative ways of spreading the Word of God using the almost limitless channels available in this digital age.

“The Church has always been open to the means of social communication, urging all of us to use them for building bridges, promoting truth, and healing divisions,” he said.

Bishop Maralit also drew inspiration from the life of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists and social communication, whom he described “a man of profound faith, humility, and communication.”

“Let his example inspire us to speak and act with integrity in this digital age, where every click and share has the power to shape hearts and minds,” said the prelate.

Furthermore, the bishop encouraged everyone to take bolder approaches and wiser discernment in evangelization while navigating the ever-evolving modern world.

“Let us all work together so that our words, whether spoken, written, or shared digitally, become channels of God's grace, peace, and hope in our fractured world,” said Bishop Maralit.