Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, delivered a powerful message at the international conference “The Dignity of Children and Adolescents in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” held in Rome. He warned that humanity stands at a critical juncture, facing both the promise and peril of AI technologies. Parolin questioned whether the world is entering a new era of human progress or moving toward self-destruction through the creation of artificial forms of life. His remarks urged reflection on the moral responsibilities accompanying technological development.
The Cardinal stressed that while scientific and technological advancements can enhance human freedom, they also introduce complex ethical challenges that humanity has never faced before. Among these, he said, safeguarding the dignity of children is “one of the greatest challenges for humanity today and in the future.” Parolin emphasized that AI’s reach—spanning education, communication, and social interaction—requires that children be protected from exploitation and that their rights and humanity remain at the forefront of innovation.
He reminded participants that the digital age is not morally neutral and called for an ethical evaluation of AI’s influence on politics, law, education, and society. According to Parolin, understanding the opportunities and risks of AI demands interdisciplinary cooperation that involves scientists, theologians, educators, and policymakers. Only through such collaboration, he argued, can the world ensure that AI contributes to a more just and compassionate society.
Concluding his address, Cardinal Parolin echoed the words of Pope Francis, reminding the audience that humans possess the freedom to direct technology toward healthier, more humane, and socially responsible progress. He called on leaders to ensure that AI serves as a tool for human development rather than domination, reaffirming that technology must always remain at the service of humanity—especially the most vulnerable, such as children.
