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Vatican Commission on AI meets for first time
The Vatican’s Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence holds its first meeting in Rome.
Vatican News
The first meeting of the Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence (ICAI) was held recently, marking the launch of the new body established to foster coordination and collaboration among the various entities of the Holy See engaged in the study, reflection, and use of artificial intelligence.
The meeting, held at Palazzo San Calisto, brought together representatives from the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith, for Culture and Education, for Communication, and for Promoting Integral Human Development, and from the Pontifical Academies for Life, of Sciences and of Social Sciences.
The aim was to share ongoing initiatives, identify common priorities, and define the first steps of a process intended to promote a vision of AI that serves human dignity, the common good, and the mission of the Church.
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has been entrusted with coordinating the Commission during its first year of activity.
In his opening remarks, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery, highlighted four particularly significant aspects of the current development of artificial intelligence: the unprecedented pace of its evolution, its impact on human dignity, the growing dialogue between the Church and the technology sector, and the strong resonance generated by the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
Particular attention was given to the need for prudent discernment in addressing a phenomenon that offers great opportunities while also presenting increasingly significant ethical, social, cultural and environmental risks and challenges.
The participating institutions presented their activities and reflections on artificial intelligence, referring to studies and initiatives dedicated to the scientific, social, ethical, and educational impacts of the technology.
The meeting also recalled the path initiated through the Congress on AI Ethics and the Rome Call for AI Ethics, as well as the Holy Father’s message on the relationship between artificial intelligence and peace on the occasion of the World Day of Peace 2024.
Coordination, Formation, and Dialogue
As for the role of the new Commission, a broad consensus emerged regarding the need for a twofold service.
On the one hand, the Commission should foster internal coordination, information sharing, and reflection on the use of AI within the institutions of the Holy See. On the other, it should serve as a point of reference for discernment and support for the many initiatives promoted in this field.
Participants emphasized the need to promote open dialogue with the academic, scientific, and business communities, as well as with Bishops’ Conferences.
The Church’s reflection must continue to engage with the transformations taking place in society, they noted.
In this context, the Commission felt that a dedicated website could be useful for sharing initiatives and facilitating the circulation of information.
Next Steps
Regarding its next steps, the Commission decided that it should proceed gradually.
First steps could include the mapping of existing initiatives, the collection of themes identified by the various entities, and work on guidelines concerning the use of artificial intelligence within the Holy See.
Participants expressed gratitude for the first meeting of the Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
They said it offered an interesting overview of initiatives, as well as an experience of sharing amongst the various Dicasteries represented and the benefits of coordination.
The Commission will meet again in mid-July.
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