Vatican hosts conference on Artificial Intelligence and child protection

In an age where technology is shaping the future of human interaction, education, and even moral formation, the Vatican is stepping forward to ensure that children—the most vulnerable members of society—are not left behind or exposed to harm.

On March 21 and 22, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, in partnership with the World Childhood Foundation and the Pontifical Gregorian University’s Institute of Anthropology (IADC), hosted a high-level conference titled “Risks and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Children: A Common Commitment for Safeguarding Children.”

The event, presented at a press briefing on March 20 at the Holy See Press Office, brings together Church leaders, scientists, educators, and child rights advocates to explore how AI can either help or harm children, depending on how it is developed and used.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, emphasized that the Church is deeply concerned about how new technologies impact human dignity. 

He called on governments to take responsibility for regulating AI in ways that prioritize the safety, privacy, and dignity of children, warning against allowing such powerful tools to remain solely “in private hands.”

Echoing this concern, Professor Joachim von Braun, president of the Academy, warned of growing risks tied to new technologies, especially social media. He cited studies showing how digital addiction affects children’s brain development and how online algorithms manipulate children’s behavior for profit.

“Mathematics was once considered neutral,” he said, “but today, algorithms shape lives—and they must be held to ethical standards.”

Von Braun urged greater political action. While AI legislation in places like the European Union has stalled, he noted that dialogue with major tech companies—such as Google’s parent company, Alphabet—is urgently needed.

He expressed hope that the Pontifical Academy of Sciences can serve as a bridge between governments, tech industries, and faith-based organizations in developing solutions.

Professor Hans Zollner, director of the IADC, praised the Vatican’s leadership in addressing child protection in the digital age. He reminded participants that the Holy See had already begun this mission in 2017 by engaging technology companies in discussions about child safeguarding. That work, he stressed, must now be revitalized.

The Church, he said, has a “unique opportunity” to bring together diverse voices—scientific, ethical, and spiritual—to address issues like online exploitation and abuse, which no single institution can solve alone.

Representing the World Childhood Foundation, Britta Holmberg shared sobering data: one in five girls and one in seven boys have experienced violence online.

Vulnerable children—such as orphans, migrants, and those living on the streets—face the highest risk. She urged greater global cooperation to protect children, especially in digital environments.

“Technology is part of the problem, but it must also be part of the solution,” Holmberg said—echoing the message of Pope Francis, who has consistently affirmed that while digital tools pose real dangers, they also offer powerful opportunities for positive change when guided by ethical principles.

As Asia and the world rapidly embrace digital innovation, the Vatican’s timely conference is a reminder that human dignity—especially that of children—must remain at the center of all technological progress. Through dialogue, shared responsibility, and faith in action, the Church continues to be a moral voice for the future of humanity.