St. John Paul II’s teachings guide Church’s response to AI boom

Church leaders and scholars are using the teachings of St. John Paul II to address the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. On the feast of St. John Paul II, which marks the 48th anniversary of his election, experts noted that the late pope's focus on keeping technological progress centered on the human person remains relevant.

Father Józef Kloch, a professor at the Pontifical University, suggested that St. John Paul II would advocate for using artificial intelligence only if it serves the human person. This perspective follows the release of Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, as AI continues to change fields such as medicine, education, and work.

In a 1990 message titled "The Christian Message in a Computer Culture," St. John Paul II welcomed new technology while insisting its development respect human dignity. The John Paul II Vatican Foundation is marking its 45th anniversary in Rome with events highlighting these teachings.