Pope Francis calls for ethical artificial intelligence, global peace

By Carlos Luis

Bengaluru, Jan 2, 2023: To support the holistic development of people and communities, new technologies must constantly be focused on promoting peace and the common good.

Pope Francis calls on world leaders to ensure that advancements in artificial intelligence development will eventually advance human brotherhood and peace in his yearly Message for the World Day of Peace. Before the 57th World Day of Peace on January 1, the Vatican published a statement titled, “Artificial Intelligence and Peace.”

Pope Francis has emphasised the moral implications of technological advancements, stating that while they can bring transformation and improvement, they also pose risks to humans and the planet. He warns that no scientific advancement or study can be objective as decisions are influenced by social, cultural, and personal values.

The Pope urges organizations to investigate moral questions surrounding AI and defend the rights of those affected. He warns against the myth of limitless human power and the technocratic worldview underlying AI and calls for a legally binding agreement governing AI’s creation and application. He also addresses the challenges AI presents for future educators, emphasising the need to teach critical thinking and AI usage.

The reflection is divided into eight sections:

The first section sees the progress of science and technology as a path to peace, as it contributes to greater order in society and fraternal communion and freedom. The Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes affirms that humanity has continuously sought to improve its life through technology.

While these advances have remedied numerous ills and caused suffering, they also present risks to human survival and the common home. The digital sphere offers both opportunities and risks, with serious implications for justice and harmony among people. Urgent questions need to be asked about the medium and long-term consequences of these new digital technologies, and their impact on individual lives, societies, international stability, and peace.

The next sections speak of the future of Artificial Intelligence as it says that advancements in information technology and digital technologies have significantly transformed global society, affecting various aspects of daily life. These technologies can extract data that can control mental and relational habits for commercial or political purposes, often without our knowledge.

Artificial intelligence, a form of technology, is a complex and multifaceted entity that should be viewed as a socio-technical system. It is crucial to act responsibly and respect fundamental human values such as inclusion, transparency, security, equity, privacy, and reliability.

The development of new technologies must be guided by the inherent dignity of each human being and the fraternity that binds us together as members of the human family. Artificial intelligence, based on machine learning techniques, is introducing significant changes to societies and exerting a profound influence on cultures, societal behaviours, and peacebuilding.

However, the reliability of these technologies is not guaranteed, and misuse can lead to discrimination, interference in elections, a surveillance society, digital exclusion, and an individualism increasingly disconnected from society.

Thus, it is important to understand that the vast and complex world we live in is too vast to be fully understood, and advanced algorithms can only offer statistical approximations. Artificial intelligence may not guarantee impartiality, and its purpose and meaning may be determined by human values. The technocratic paradigm, which prioritises efficiency, may lead to a sense of limit and potential technological dictatorship, affecting democratic societies and peaceful coexistence.

Artificial intelligence systems could potentially determine mortgage reliability, job suitability, and social assistance rights, leading to bias and discrimination. They can also influence decisions through pre-determined options, requiring careful oversight and legal responsibility.

Automatic categorization could lead to power conflicts and violate human dignity. Additionally, the impact of AI on the workplace could result in disproportionate benefits for the few at the expense of many.

The use of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, including artificial intelligence, raises ethical concerns. These systems cannot be morally responsible and could lead to terrorist attacks or destabilisation. It is crucial to ensure human oversight of weapon systems and not use them for violent conflict resolution.

Instead, AI can promote human development in agriculture, education, and culture, improving life for nations and peoples. Cross-disciplinary dialogue and ethics by design are essential for a better future.

Digital technologies have revolutionised communication and human dignity, but they also present challenges for education. To address these, critical thinking and ethical considerations must be promoted in AI education. Schools must help students understand the social and ethical aspects of technology use while combating the temptation to build a culture of walls.

The global scale of artificial intelligence necessitates international organisations to regulate its use. A binding international treaty should prevent harmful practices and encourage best practices. Ethical guidelines should consider human values, fundamental human rights, and justice. Debates should consider all stakeholders’ voices, including the poor and powerless.

Pope Francis ends the message by encouraging the development of artificial intelligence to promote human fraternity and peace, urging the entire human family to work together to address the challenges posed by the digital revolution.

(Carlos Luis is a priest belonging to the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine) and is currently studying for a Licentiate degree in Moral Theology at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bengaluru. He comments on social and moral issues. He could be contacted – carllui1990@gmail.com)