Dear brothers and sisters, welcome!

I am pleased to greet all of you, members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation and the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities.

We are meeting on the occasion of the publication of your research on a very important topic.  The advent of artificial intelligence is accompanied by rapid and profound changes in society, which affects essential dimensions of the human person, such as critical thinking, discernment, learning and interpersonal relationships.

How can we ensure that the development of artificial intelligence truly serves the common good, and is not just used to accumulate wealth and power in the hands of a few?  This is an urgent question, because this technology is already having a real impact on the lives of millions of people, every day and in every part of the world.  As the Social Doctrine of the Church reminds us, and as is clear from the interdisciplinary work you are doing, addressing this challenge requires asking an even more fundamental question: What does it mean to be human in this moment of history?

Human beings are called to be co-workers in the work of creation, not merely passive consumers of content generated by artificial technology.  Our dignity lies in our ability to reflect, choose freely, love unconditionally and enter into authentic relationships with others.  Artificial intelligence has certainly opened up new horizons for creativity, but it also raises serious concerns about its possible repercussions on humanity’s openness to truth and beauty, and capacity for wonder and contemplation.  Recognizing and safeguarding what characterizes the human person and guarantees his or her balanced growth is essential for establishing an adequate framework for managing the consequences of artificial intelligence.

In this regard, we must pause and reflect with particular care upon the freedom and inner life of our children and young people, and the possible impact of technology on their intellectual and neurological development.  The new generations must be helped, not hindered, on their path to maturity and responsibility.  The well-being of society depends on their ability to develop their talents and respond to the demands of the times and the needs of others, with generosity and freedom of mind.  The ability to access vast amounts of data and information should not be confused with the ability to derive meaning and value from it.  The latter requires a willingness to confront the mystery and core questions of our existence, even when these realities are often marginalized or ridiculed by the prevailing cultural and economic models.  It will therefore be essential to teach young people to use these tools with their own intelligence, ensuring that they open themselves to the search for truth, a spiritual and fraternal life, broadening their dreams and the horizons of their decision making.  We support their desire to be different and better, because never before has it been so clear that a profound reversal of direction is needed in our idea of maturing.

In order to build a future together with our young people that achieves the common good and harnesses the potential of artificial intelligence, it is necessary to restore and strengthen their confidence in the human ability to guide the development of these technologies.  It is a confidence that today is increasingly eroded by the paralyzing idea that its development follows an inevitable path.  This requires coordinated and concerted action involving politics, institutions, businesses, finance, education, communication, citizens and religious communities.  Actors from these areas are called upon to undertake a common commitment by assuming this joint responsibility.  This commitment comes before any partisan interest or profit, which is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few.  Only through widespread participation that gives everyone the opportunity to be heard with respect, even the most humble, will it be possible to achieve these ambitious goals.  In this context, the research carried out by Centesimus-SACRU represents a truly valuable contribution.

Thank you, dear friends, and I encourage you to continue your work with creativity, guided by Sacred Scripture and the Church’s Magisterium.  May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary accompany you, and I impart my Apostolic Blessing upon all of you.