Cardinal Parolin says nations should work together to face the threats of AI

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, urged nations to collaborate on governing artificial intelligence to address its potential threats. Speaking at a conference titled Faith and Reason in the Age of Artificial Intelligence on Sept. 16 at the Italian Parliament in Rome, Parolin expressed concern that some countries may attempt to act alone rather than working together.

During his keynote address, Parolin thanked Italian President Sergio Mattarella for calling for more cooperation among states regarding AI governance. He encouraged leaders to reflect on the consequences of how the technology is used.

In comments to journalists at the event, Parolin described artificial intelligence as having intellect but lacking heart. He noted that the technology is increasingly pervasive, such as when computers automatically provide summaries of text. Parolin stated that he does not use AI to write his homilies because he prefers to include personal emotion in his preaching. This stance aligns with previous warnings from Pope Leo XIV, who advised priests in the Diocese of Rome against using AI to draft their homilies.