The Catholic Church has released official AI guidelines, emphasizing that artificial intelligence should complement, not replace, human intelligence. The document, “Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence,” provides ethical and religious insights on AI’s role in education, healthcare, labor, and more.
AI and Human Relationships
The Vatican acknowledges AI’s ability to simulate human-like interactions, such as AI-powered virtual companions. However, it warns that these interactions should not replace genuine human connection. Over-reliance on AI could distort real-world relationships—especially for children, who may start viewing human interactions as transactional.
“True empathy requires the ability to listen, recognize another’s uniqueness, and grasp the meaning behind even their silences,” the guidelines state. AI should enhance human connections, not replace them.
AI in the Economy and Labor
As industries prioritize efficiency, AI is often used to cut labor costs. The Vatican warns against a “technocratic paradigm” where humans are enslaved to efficiency. Instead, AI should support, not replace, workers—preserving the dignity of labor and ensuring employment remains a means of personal growth and social connection.
AI and Healthcare
AI has revolutionized medicine, helping researchers develop treatments, such as AI-generated antivenom for deadly snake bites. However, the Vatican warns that healthcare must remain human-centric. AI should not replace doctors’ judgment, nor should it reinforce a “medicine for the rich” system. It also highlights the risks of AI bias in insurance and medical decision-making.
AI in Education
AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can expand access to education, but they may also hinder critical thinking. The Vatican urges educators to focus on teaching students how to think, not just how to retrieve answers.
AI and Misinformation
AI-generated fake news, images, and videos blur the line between truth and fiction, fostering polarization and conflict. The Vatican urges society to fight AI-driven misinformation and avoid spreading content that degrades human dignity.
Additionally, it warns against social scoring, where AI predicts criminal behavior based on past actions. “A person’s past should not define their future,” the guidelines state. AI must respect human dignity and the right to change.
AI in Warfare
Military AI, like Israel’s Fire Factory, is revolutionizing warfare. However, the Vatican strongly opposes Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, which can kill without human intervention.
“No machine should ever choose to take a human life,” the Church states, calling for the highest ethical scrutiny in AI-driven warfare.
The Catholic Church emphasizes that AI must serve humanity, not replace it. From healthcare to warfare, it urges society to develop AI responsibly, ensuring it upholds ethics, human dignity, and moral judgment.
