Christ the Cornerstone

Artificial intelligence must defend human dignity

In his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” Pope Leo XIV confirms that when it comes to social issues, the Catholic Church is, first and foremost, a defender of human dignity.

This is the most fundamental principle of Catholic social teaching: That human beings are made in the image and likeness of their Creator and, as a result, they can never be reduced to instruments of efficiency or productivity.

Respecting human dignity is at the heart of Church teaching because it reflects who we are, and who we are called to become, as sisters and brothers of Jesus Christ united in one human family by the power of the Holy Spirit. “When efficiency becomes the ultimate measure of value,” Pope Leo writes, “human beings are tempted to see themselves as a project to be optimized rather than as persons called to relationship and communion” (#112).

The Church teaches that the intelligence given to us by God is much more than just computation (the work that computers and machines can do). Human intelligence includes self-consciousness, abstract reasoning, morality, empathy, transcendental awareness, spirituality, and the awareness of beauty and truth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can process data and mimic certain human behaviors, but it cannot genuinely comprehend what it processes, possess true human understanding, or attain self-consciousness and free will. No matter how sophisticated, machines cannot experience emotions, empathy, moral obligation, or religious experience. They are, as their name indicates, artificial. Regardless of their skill or efficiency, they are merely imitations of the real thing—genuine human intelligence.

Because they are artificial, the devices and processes we call AI can assist in human work, but they cannot ever replace the human person’s intellect, moral agency, or spiritual transcendence. This is especially important in light of Catholic social teaching on work, which defends the dignity of labor, the rights of workers, just wages, humane working conditions, and the right to organize. Catholic social teaching insists that technology should strengthen human flourishing, not erode the dignity of workers or become a substitute for human responsibility.

Catholics, and all people of good will, are strongly encouraged to read “Magnifica Humanitas” and to reflect on the importance of its moral and spiritual perspectives. Pope Leo covers a wide range of social issues and ethical risks in his discussion of artificial intelligence.

These include the potential for bias in training data and algorithms, manipulation of public opinion, lack of transparency in decision-making, privacy violations, intrusive surveillance, data breaches, cyberattacks, and the possibility of powerful oligarchies controlling information. Other concerns include the degradation of creativity, potential failure of intelligent expression and good judgment, and the weakening of genuine interpersonal relationships.

For these reasons, the Holy Father warns us that in whatever forms it takes, artificial intelligence requires caution, accountability and responsible governance. He also warns of the risk of “social control made possible by the massive collection of data and use of algorithmic systems.” As Pope Leo writes:

“When every action—movements, purchases, relationships and preferences—leaves a trace, a new form of power emerges, namely the power to profile, predict and influence behavior, often without individuals being fully aware of it. If such kinds of data are used to make decisions affecting concrete opportunities—such as access to credit, employment or essential services—there is a risk of undermining freedom and discriminating against the most vulnerable.” (#171)

Church teaching holds that every human person possesses an intrinsic, transcendent dignity.

From this foundation, the Church teaches that human dignity is equal, universal and inalienable: it belongs to every human being, not because the state grants it, but because it is rooted in human nature and in God’s creative act. This is why the Church rejects any attempt to rank some lives as less worthy than others. Every individual should be treated as a person and should be protected from injustice especially death, slavery, genocide and exploitation.

Human dignity also grounds natural rights. These rights exist to protect the individual and promote the common good, and the state is obliged to defend them. The Church therefore teaches that no civil authority may remove or negate human dignity without just cause, and that laws contrary to natural rights violate the moral order.

Artificial intelligence is morally acceptable as a tool, Pope Leo teaches, but it must be subordinated to human dignity, truth, justice, the common good, and the protection of persons and workers.

AI can extend human capabilities, and it can contribute positively to the welfare of humankind, but devices endowed with artificial intelligence can never replace a human person and they should never be allowed to diminish the magnificence of our God-given humanity. †