Vatican Calls for Human Control Over AI in Warfare
The Vatican has released an ethical framework concerning artificial intelligence (AI), emphasising the importance of ethical considerations for Catholics.
A new Vatican document stresses the need for awareness of AI’s potential misuses, especially in warfare. The document highlights the problem of weaponized AI, noting that remote military operations using such systems can lessen the perceived devastation and the sense of responsibility for their use.
It states, “The atrocities committed throughout history are enough to raise deep concerns about the potential abuses of AI,” and insists that “No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being.” The Vatican calls it “critically important” to understand AI’s ethical impact, urging its applications be used not only to mitigate risks and prevent harm but also to promote human progress and the common good.
The document emphasizes that AI should complement, not replace, human intelligence. Approved by Pope Francis on January 14th, the framework was developed over six months by a Vatican team from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education, in consultation with experts. While acknowledging the unpredictable future of AI, the document asserts that autonomous machines should always be subject to human control. It stated “The atrocities committed throughout history are enough to raise deep concerns about the potential abuses of AI,” it added . “No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being.”
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The Vatican has expressed concerns about AI’s potential to spread wrong information , warning that it could weaken societal trust. The document stated “AI-generated fake media can gradually undermine the foundations of society,”, advocating for careful regulations to prevent misinformation from fueling “political polarization and social unrest.”
The document also addressed various topics, including AI’s impact on relationships, work, healthcare, education, and security.
Referencing Pope Francis’ 2024 World Peace Day Message, the Vatican condemned the use of autonomous military AI, emphasizing that AI lacks the “unique human capacity for moral judgement and ethical decision-making.” Pope Francis had previously urged militaries to discontinue the use of such systems, stressing the need for greater human control.
In a letter to political, economic, and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week, Pope Francis warned that AI could deepen the growing “crisis of truth,” echoing similar remarks he made at a G7 meeting last year. He described AI as “a true cognitive-industrial revolution” that would shape a new social system defined by profound transformations.
Additionally, last month, the Vatican released a separate regulatory document outlining its guidelines for the use of AI within the Church itself.
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