While the world awaits the release of his long-predicted encyclical on this subject, Pope Leo isn’t wasting any time to move AI to a prominent place for discussion in the Church:
Pope Leo XIV approved the creation of an Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence in a rescript dated May 12, released on May 16, and signed by Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Considering “the development in recent decades of the phenomenon of Artificial Intelligence and the most recent accelerations in its widespread use; its potential effects on human beings and on humanity as a whole; the Church’s concern for the dignity of every human person, especially in relation to their integral development; Pope Leo XIV approved the establishment of a Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence,” the text reads.
The Pope approved the creation of the body following an audience with Cardinal Czerny on May 3. The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development will coordinate the work of the Commission for the first year.
The text explains that the Commission is made up of representatives from 7 Vatican bodies: the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Dicastery for Culture and Education, the Dicastery for Communication, the Pontifical Academy for Life, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
One of these institutions will be in charge of coordinating the Commission for one-year terms, which can be renewed, and the Pope then decides the next body that will lead the works.
The text explains that “it is the responsibility of the coordinating institution to facilitate collaboration and the exchange of information among group members regarding activities and projects related to Artificial Intelligence, including policies on its use within the Holy See, while promoting dialogue, communion, and participation.”