The Vatican and Artificial Intelligence: An Interview with Bishop Paul Tighe

Abstract

For several years, Vatican officials have been involved in discussions regarding AI. In this interview, Bishop Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, tells about this history, the various people and organizations involved in the discussions, some of the topics, and why the Vatican cares about the social impacts of technology, especially AI. The Vatican’s convening power, interest in protecting human dignity, and neutrality when it comes to commercial interests in technology, combined with its long tradition of reflecting on human nature both theologically and philosophically, give it a unique ability to host important conversations about creating a more humane future for AI and technology more broadly.