By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
The responsibility of Christians to evangelize in an increasingly AI-shaped world will be explored in a July 17 seminar at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Supported by the Diocese of Trenton and organized by Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy, and Father Joseph Thomas of Princeton’s Mercer House, the event is not only a continuing education opportunity for priests, but also something of wider interest to other faithful Catholics.
“Pope Leo XIV, in his first encyclical, has called upon the Church to engage in a task of discernment … regarding the great technological possibilities brought about by artificial intelligence,” said Father Thomas. “In this way, AI might serve the true good of humanity rather than be a dehumanizing force.”
The seminar will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Stuart Hall, Room 6, and will feature lecturer Father Paul O’Callaghan, Ordinary Professor of Theological Anthropology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where he has taught since 1990. He holds a licentiate and doctorate in theology from the University of Navarre, Spain, and he is the author of numerous theological works, including “God’s Gift of the Universe: An Introduction to Creation Theology.”
Father Thomas suggested that AI’s possibilities, however powerful, only illustrate the unique dignity of the human person, created in the image of God.
“This special identity of the person is shown particularly in the witness which Christians are called to give of their faith,” he said. “Such witness is not just a question of passing information as a computer might do. This witness involves the whole person, body and soul, and offers testimony to Christ as a living person and to the Christian himself who has personally experienced the transforming action of grace.”
Father Thomas anticipated that Father O’Callaghan “will help us to reflect on the deep theological meaning of this important service which each Christian is called to offer.”
He acknowledged that despite intense formation in seminary, priests’ day-to-day responsibilities can make continuing study challenging.
“I hope this seminar might serve as one more opportunity … for priests to be renewed in their commitment to the truths which inspire our ministry,” Father Thomas said.
Sponsored by the Santa Croce Institute in collaboration with the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Foundation, the seminar cost is free and will include light breakfast; lunch will be available for purchase in the Seminary cafeteria.
•Registration is due by July 10 at www.SantaCroceInst.org/#register. Livestream link will also be made available. For questions, email puhcusrep@gmail.com.