Pope Leo XIV has just delivered a clarion call to the world, on safeguarding humanity in an age of AI.
Find out what Pope Francis’ third encyclical means for the world we hope to see.
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Christine Allen, CEO and Director of Catholic aid agency CAFOD, said:
“As AI redefines our workplaces and lives, Pope Leo’s message speaks of the inherent dignity of humankind. We are not simply instruments of production but living beings, entrusted with a moral compass.
“In a world full of imbalances, we have a duty to use AI responsibly. Today’s message is that it should not be used to further exacerbate inequality and suffering.
“These systems can reflect the interest and biases of their creators, and the Holy Father warns us of the obvious risk: that AI used wrongly has the power to increase inequality in our world; widening the gap between rich and poor instead of reducing it.
“Embracing all that the most brilliant minds among us can envisage must not cost us the ability and freedom to choose right from wrong.
“At a time of great global turmoil, Pope Leo’s words are a timely reminder that the best of our world is found in human relationships: when people listen to people and come together for the benefit of everyone.”
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CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.
CAFOD is funded mainly by voluntary donations from people in the Catholic community of England and Wales. We also receive funding from fellow Catholic charities and development agencies, the DEC, trusts and foundations, and the UK and other governments.
