In a message to the 2025 World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, Pope Francis calls for the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, which must help human beings for the good of all. He said, “human dignity must never be violated for the sake of efficiency.” Pope Francis offered this reminder in his message to the Chairman of the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The Holy Father began his message by observing that the theme of this year’s annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, provides a good opportunity to reflect on Artificial Intelligence as a tool not only for cooperation but also to bring people together.
The Pope remembered that Christian tradition regards the gift of intelligence as an essential aspect of the human person created “in the image of God.” At the same time, Pope Francis highlighted, the Catholic Church has always been a protagonist and a supporter of the advancement of science, technology, the arts, and other forms of human endeavours, considering them to be areas of collaboration of man and woman with God in perfecting the visible creation.
Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of AI in addressing ethical responsibility, human safety, and societal implications. He emphasized that AI should be used to assist the human person in fulfilling their vocation, freedom, and responsibility. However, he warned against the risk of AI advancing the “technocratic paradigm,” which prioritizes efficiency over human dignity and fraternity. He also emphasized that technological developments that do not improve life for everyone but create or worsen inequalities or conflicts that cannot be considered true progress. He called for a rediscovery of the importance of community and a renewed commitment to care for the common home. He urged governments and businesses to exercise due diligence and vigilance in navigating the complexities of AI. He also emphasized that AI should be directed towards the good of all, requiring individuals, families, civil society, corporations, institutions, governments, and international organizations to work at their proper levels to ensure its use promotes human dignity and the common good.