Earlier this month, Pope Leo XIV issued a 42,000-word encyclical on artificial intelligence and the challenges it poses to humanity. It is a wonderful thing that faith leaders are sharing their perspective. The Pope, who holds an undergraduate degree in mathematics, has spoken about AI before, and the encyclical is an important and timely document. Rich in detail, it offers an opportunity to reflect on our present and future.
Environmental and Ethical Questions
As we engage with generative AI, we must ask ourselves morally and intellectually consistent questions. For instance, how do those who care deeply about the environment and criticize rich countries' policies for causing global harm disproportionately affecting poor countries reconcile the environmental impact of data centers at the core of AI growth? Are those who feel strongly about intellectual property protection, especially for artists and writers from low- and middle-income countries, comfortable with widespread copyright infringement and acquisition of creative works without consent by large AI companies?
Global Power and Regulation
Others have deep concerns about the overreach of global powers and the diminishing rights of the weak. As tech companies dominate global capital, influence policy, and bypass regulations, how do they feel about full-scale indulgence in these products? I also wonder about teachers who choose the noble profession not for high salaries but for the deep satisfaction of training the next generation, helping people become more sophisticated in original writing, analysis, and thought. Are they encouraging students to look for quick answers in the name of efficiency?
Research and Accuracy
For many in research, AI tools to summarize a paper or get to the core argument are deeply unsatisfactory. They may be fast but are often inaccurate and fail to pick up nuance. I wonder if our goal in research is speed over accuracy. I recognize strong arguments on the other side: improved computation, sharper analysis of diagnostic images to find early signs of serious ailments, the ability to search for new therapeutic molecules, and design experiments previously unthought of. But that is hardly what is being promoted from the top. With the exception of a small group, new mathematical insights are not being discussed.
Rapid Change and Efficiency
When people talk about things changing rapidly, they often discuss doing less creative work, reading fewer pages, having fewer workers doing hard work, skimming final drafts, and mostly not writing anything. In my circle of professors, colleagues brag about having an AI agent write letters of recommendation for students without telling them. Some do not even bother proofreading for basic errors. Students may not get the job or admission, but no one holds the letter writer responsible for a bad letter. What most people are excited about is efficiency in pursuit of material gains. That pursuit will bring some gains but at a cost to the environment, creative and cognitive skills, and our relationships with each other. These costs need serious discussion, not hyperbole.
The Role of Faith Leaders
The question of humanity, truth, and honesty is central to any faith. I hope faith leaders from all traditions will offer their critique and reflections. Faith leaders are an important group that should weigh in with rigorous arguments. But so should others who care about what it means to be human. If AI is touching all aspects of our lives, serious people from all sectors need to reflect on what this new technology means for them and how to navigate, engage, or resist rapid changes. No technology or innovation is inevitable as long as we believe in our agency.
