The Church's perspective on AI: Balancing progress with ethical responsibility

In a groundbreaking statement, the Catholic Church released a note titled Antiqua et Nova, addressing the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence. 

Released on January 28, 2025, the Liturgical Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church, the document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education highlights both the opportunities and risks of AI, emphasizing the Church’s call for ethical responsibility and a renewed wisdom of heart in guiding technological advancements.

The Church affirms that intelligence, whether natural or artificial, is a gift from God meant for the common good. AI’s ability to mimic human cognition, particularly in generating text, images, and decision-making processes, raises fundamental ethical concerns. 

These include issues of truth, autonomy, and responsibility, especially as AI continues to reshape societal structures such as education, healthcare, and employment.

While AI offers promising solutions to complex global challenges, the Church warns against the dangers of its unregulated use. 

The document emphasizes that AI should not replace human relationships, moral discernment, or creative capacities but should instead serve as a tool that upholds human dignity and ethical responsibility.

One of the most pressing concerns outlined in the note is the growing crisis of truth in public discourse. The ability of AI to generate realistic but false information, such as deepfake content and misinformation, poses a serious threat to social trust. 

The Vatican urges all stakeholders—including policymakers, technologists, and educators—to ensure transparency and ethical oversight in AI development and deployment.

The document proposes a human-centered ethical framework for AI development, grounded in key principles:

Human Responsibility: AI should remain under human oversight, ensuring accountability at all stages of its use.

Transparency and Truth: AI-generated content must be clearly identified and not used to manipulate or deceive.

Dignity and Justice: AI applications should promote fairness, avoid discrimination, and reduce inequalities rather than exacerbate them.

Stewardship and Sustainability: The environmental impact of AI must be carefully managed to prevent harm to the planet.

Peace and Security: The use of AI in warfare, particularly lethal autonomous weapon systems, is strongly condemned as contrary to human dignity.

The Vatican calls upon religious leaders, educators, and policymakers to engage in dialogue about AI’s implications for human identity, ethics, and social justice. 

Recognizing that AI is an integral part of modern life, the Church encourages its responsible use in ways that align with the common good.

Antiqua et Nova ultimately reminds us that technological progress must be accompanied by moral discernment. In an age of rapid AI advancement, the Church advocates for a wisdom of heart—one that integrates technological innovation with ethical integrity. 

As AI continues to shape our world, ensuring it serves humanity rather than undermines it remains a moral imperative for all.

The document is signed by: Víctor Manuel Card. Fernández – Prefect, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, José Card. Tolentino de Mendonça – Prefect, Dicastery for Culture and Education, Msgr. Armando Matteo – Secretary, Doctrinal Section, and Most Rev. Paul Tighe – Secretary, Culture Section. 

The document Antiqua et Nova is available at  the following link: https://press.vatican.va