杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

As the Pontifical Academy of Sciences prepares to discuss humanity鈥檚 鈥渄eep impacts鈥� on creation and advancements in the field of artificial intelligence, 杏MAP导航 Francis urged members to keep in mind the human and ethical dimensions of scientific and technological progress.

Humanity's impact on creation

In a discourse prepared for the Academy鈥檚 Plenary Assembly, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted the growing concern about the 鈥渃umulative impact of human activities on creation鈥�, described Anthropocene era, and praised the PAS for its continued work in this field, 鈥渘ot least in regard to their implications for the poor and disadvantaged.鈥�

He said, 鈥淭he sciences, in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the physical world, must never lose sight of the importance of using knowledge to serve and enhance the dignity of individuals and of humanity as a whole.鈥�

Artificial intelligence - benefits and risks

Concerning the progress made in artificial intelligence 鈥� the other main focus of this year鈥檚 Plenary Assembly 鈥� 杏MAP导航 Francis acknowledged the benefits of new developments, while also warning of risks associated with new technologies.

The Holy Father highlighted especially the 鈥渘egative implications鈥� of artificial intellignece for young people and vulnerable adults, as well as the dangers associated with the use of AI for manipulating public opinion.

With these challenges in mind, 杏MAP导航 Francis recalled his own Message for the 2024 World Day of Peace, in which he expressed 鈥渢he Church鈥檚 concern that 鈥渢he inherent dignity of each human being and the fraternity that binds us together as members of the one human family must undergird the development of new technologies鈥�.鈥�

Quiet, but important, contributions

In his message to Academy members, the 杏MAP导航 called for 鈥渁 larger framework in which inclusive public discourse鈥� is informed both by the results of scientific study and greater participation 鈥渂y all segments of society鈥�.

He called for deeper study into the impact of AI on individuals and on the international community, while praising the PAS for its work on proposing regulations that will prevent risks and encourage benefits in 鈥渢his complex field鈥�.

Finally, the Holy Father thanked members for their 鈥渜uiet contributions鈥� to the pursuit of knowledge while acknowledging the importance of those contributions for 鈥渢he cause of global peace and international cooperation鈥�.