The Catholic bishops of Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. have released a pastoral letter addressing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for humanity. In their letter, titled "The Face of Christ in a Digital Age," the bishops acknowledge the potential benefits of AI in healthcare, education, evangelization, and humanitarian efforts.
However, they also warn about the risks associated with AI, including job displacement, lethal autonomous weapons, and the manipulation of truth. The bishops emphasize that no matter how advanced machines become, they can never replicate the soul, the conscience, or the eternal destiny that belongs to each human being.
The bishops stress the need for Christians to discern how to speak and live the Gospel amid the new language and powers emerging through AI, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than the other way around. They also highlight the importance of forming consciences capable of discernment, especially among young people, to prevent manipulation by algorithms and promote truth and grace.
The bishops encourage parishes and families to ground digital engagement and media literacy in Scripture and the sacramental life, fostering empathy and authentic relationships. By doing so, they hope to promote a more nuanced understanding of the role of technology in human life and encourage responsible use of AI that prioritizes human dignity and well-being.
