Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence meets for the first time

Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence meets for the first time

The first meeting of the Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence (ICAI) was held, marking the launch of the new body established to foster coordination and collaboration among the various entities of the Holy See engaged in the study, reflection, and use of artificial intelligence.

The meeting, held at Palazzo San Calisto, brought together representatives from the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith, for Culture and Education, for Communication, and for Promoting Integral Human Development, and from the Pontifical Academies for Life, of Sciences and of Social Sciences with the aim of sharing ongoing initiatives, identifying common priorities, and defining the first steps of a process intended to promote a vision of AI that serves human dignity, the common good, and the mission of the Church.

The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has been entrusted with coordinating the Commission during its first year of activity.

IIn his opening remarks, its prefect Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J. highlighted four particularly significant aspects of the current development of artificial intelligence: the unprecedented pace of its evolution, its impact on human dignity, the growing dialogue between the Church and the technology sector, and the strong resonance generated by the Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.

Particular attention was given to the need for prudent discernment in addressing a phenomenon that offers great opportunities while also presenting increasingly significant ethical, social, cultural and environmental risks and challenges.

The participating institutions presented their activities and reflections on artificial intelligence, referring to studies and initiatives dedicated to the scientific, social, ethical, and educational impacts of the technology. The meeting also recalled the path initiated through the Congress on AI Ethics and the Rome Call for AI Ethics, as well as the Holy Father’s message on the relationship between artificial intelligence and peace on the occasion of the World Day of Peace 2024.

Coordination, formation, and dialogue

As for the role of the new Commission. A broad consensus emerged regarding the need for a twofold service: on the one hand, fostering internal coordination, information sharing, and reflection on the use of AI within the institutions of the Holy See; on the other, providing a point of reference for discernment and support for the many initiatives promoted in this field.

Open dialogue with the academic, scientific, and business communities, as well as with the Episcopal Conferences, is important. The Church’s reflection must continue to engage with the transformations taking place in society. In this context, a dedicated website could be useful for sharing initiatives and facilitating the circulation of information.

The Commission will proceed with gradually, progressively defining its way of proceeding. First steps could include the mapping of existing initiatives, the collection of themes identified by the various entities, and work on guidelines concerning the use of artificial intelligence within the Holy See.

Participants were grateful for this first meeting of the Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence, not only because of the interesting overview shared of initiatives in the past and current objectives, but also for the experience of sharing amongst the various entities represented and foreseeing the benefits of coordination. The meeting was in the spirit of both Praedicate Evangelium and Magnifica Humanitas. The Comission will meet again in mid-July.