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Editor’s note: In light of Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical on artificial intelligence, we are re-posting a pastoral reflection on the topic written by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., from last December.
A pastoral reflection from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
When I don’t have appointments, meetings or pastoral visits around the Diocese, I spend most of my day in the Chancery or my home office, working either on the computer or using my cell phone. That wasn’t the case earlier in my priesthood, but now I can hardly imagine functioning without these tools at my fingertips.
We live in a time of extraordinary technological advancement. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we heal, teach, communicate and even how we understand ourselves.
In recent months, I’ve come across numerous articles and references to academic conferences at prominent universities exploring AI’s role in contemporary life. The topic even surfaced during a recent Presbyteral Council meeting. I must admit, I don’t yet know a great deal about AI, but I’m quickly learning — both about its potential benefits and the concerns surrounding its use and our growing reliance on it.
At its most basic level, AI refers to machines or systems that simulate human intelligence — learning, reasoning and problem-solving. While AI can perform tasks with remarkable efficiency, it remains a human creation, devoid of soul, conscience or moral agency. It is not a person, nor can it possess the dignity that belongs uniquely to human beings whom God made in his own image and likeness, as we learn in Genesis1:27.
This distinction is crucial. The Church teaches that human dignity is inviolable, rooted not in productivity or intelligence, but in our capacity for relationship with God and one another. AI, no matter how sophisticated, must always serve humanity — not replace it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that science and technology are valuable gifts when placed at the service of the human person and the common good (CCC 2293–2294).
What does it mean to be human in an age of machines? How can we ensure that these tools serve the Gospel, our faith, truth and the common good rather than distract from it?
TECHNOLOGY AND MORALITY
The Church teaches that human creativity and scientific discovery are gifts from God. AI, when rightly ordered, can help us care for creation and serve one another.
Pope Francis, in his 2024 address to the G7, described AI as “an exciting and fearsome tool,” capable of democratizing access to knowledge and advancing research, but also of deepening inequality and fostering a “throwaway culture” if not guided by ethical reflection. He reminded us that “science and technology are brilliant products of the creative potential of human beings,” and must remain rooted in moral responsibility.
Pope Leo XIV, in his early homilies and public reflections, has spoken with pastoral urgency about the spiritual risks posed by digital technologies. He cautions against a “false world” where digital simulations replace authentic relationships and where “the presence of God is eclipsed by constant distraction.”
In a recent interview, Pope Leo stated: “Our human life makes sense not because of artificial intelligence, but because of human beings and encounter. It’s going to be very difficult to discover the presence God in AI. In human relationships, we can find at least signs of the presence of God.”
Already, we see AI assisting physicians in diagnosing illness, enabling teachers to tailor learning to individual needs, helping relief agencies respond swiftly to disasters, and connecting loved ones across continents. These are signs of human ingenuity — echoes of the wisdom of God.
Yet every gift carries a responsibility. Technology is not neutral. It shapes not only our actions but our imaginations, our relationships and our hearts.
Let us not forget: the burning bush was not a hologram. The voice of God spoke not through code, but through covenant. And the Word became flesh — not data.
FAITH-BASED ACTION
In considering the potential harm that could come through AI, Pope Francis called for a ban on autonomous weapons, declaring: “No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being.” Pope Leo XIV has added: “Moral accountability must never be outsourced to algorithms.”
We must be a prophetic voice — defending the vulnerable and ensuring that technology fosters communion, not isolation.
Our response must be spiritual. Pope Francis calls for a “technological covenant” rooted in human dignity. Pope Leo XIV speaks of a “theology of wisdom” that honors creation and the primacy of love.
AI cannot love, forgive, pray, receive or share grace. These are gifts requiring humanity, rooted in our spiritual nature.
In a world of algorithms, the Church offers what no machine ever can:
- The Eucharist
- The sacrament of Reconciliation and other sacraments
- The warmth of community
- The witness of saints
- The transforming power of grace
We need to teach our children not only how to use technology, but how to remain deeply human and anchored in relationship, conscience and prayer.
The Incarnation was not virtual. God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Salvation is not a download — it is a living encounter with Jesus Christ.
We should approach AI not with fear or naiveté, but with discernment, courage and hope. We do this by encouraging ethical reflection in our schools, parishes and homes; supporting policies that uphold human dignity; advocating for those excluded from technological progress and forming new generations in digital literacy and spiritual depth.
Our Diocese needs to be a beacon of light in this digital age — raising questions the world may neglect, offering a vision the world may not see, and bearing witness to a truth the world may forget: that no machine can replace the grace of Christ or the beauty of a soul in communion with God.
May we be inspired to live with integrity in this complex world and seek the wisdom to use technology without being used by it, cherishing the dignity of every person, even as machines grow more powerful. Technology must always serve the human person and the common good. Our true identity and destiny as humans are found not in the “icloud” but in the Lord Jesus Christ.
As Catholics, we affirm that technology must serve the human person and the common good. We must remain vigilant as AI becomes more embedded in society.
· Human dignity must be upheld. No machine can comprehend the worth of a soul.
· Justice and fairness must guide development. Biased data leads to biased outcomes.
· Privacy and autonomy must be protected. Data use must be transparent and consensual.
· Accountability must remain with humans. Machines cannot bear moral responsibility.
· Equity and access must be prioritized. AI’s benefits must be shared, not hoarded.