USCCB chairmen emphasize human dignity in religious freedom

Archbishop Alexander K. Sample and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan stated that human dignity must guide the defense of religious freedom as artificial intelligence increases the potential for surveillance and persecution of religious groups. The chairmen of the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty and the Committee on International Justice and Peace issued the statement ahead of International Religious Freedom Day on October 27.

The bishops noted that rapid technological changes could expand abuses against millions of people facing religious freedom violations. They cited Pope Leo XIV’s document, Magnifica humanitas, which teaches that the right to religious freedom is rooted in human dignity and provides criteria for protecting individuals and societies. Archbishop Sample said Catholics are compelled to build a digital culture that respects the human search for truth and freedom.

The USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace works with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to address religious freedom violations globally.