By Charles Igwe
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has called on nations to work together in addressing the opportunities and risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI), warning that the future of humanity is at stake.Parolin spoke on September 16 at the conference “Faith and Reason in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” held at the Italian Parliament in Rome, where he reflected on the potential of AI and its implications for humanity and the common good. The cardinal welcomed calls for greater international cooperation on AI governance, expressing concern that some countries may seek to develop and regulate the technology independently.He stressed that AI is a global phenomenon requiring the participation of states and international bodies in establishing common rules capable of governing its development and use.“Let us stop and genuinely reflect on what the consequences of artificial intelligence and its use might be,” Parolin urged, while emphasizing the need for ethical reasoning to guide decisions about the technology.Asked about his personal use of AI, the cardinal said he does not use it to write his homilies, explaining: “Artificial intelligence is all head and no heart. I try to put a little heart into my homilies.”Parolin also said the Holy See would continue promoting principles for responsible AI while leaving the practical mechanisms of international cooperation to states and relevant institutions.
