U.S. bishops establish a working group on artificial intelligence

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops established a task force to address the moral implications and risks of artificial intelligence. The Administrative Committee created the Bishops’ Task Force on Preserving Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, appointing Bishop Oscar Cantù of San Jose as chairman.

Conference spokesperson Chieko Noguchi said the committee met with technology specialists and representatives from various tech firms to discuss keeping artificial intelligence at the service of humanity. The dialogue addressed the need to mitigate current dangers posed by the technology and explored how the Church can help provide a moral foundation for AI models.

The group discussed ways for the Church and the tech industry to work together to ensure technology remains human-centered, protects human dignity, and benefits both the rich and the poor. The bishops also sought to identify steps companies can take to prevent misuse and ensure humans maintain oversight of these systems. This move follows an appeal from Pope Leo XIV in his encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, to foster cooperation and shared responsibility.