European Bishops Issue Statement on Artificial Intelligence

Interior of a grand cathedral with a rose window — Ben Kupke / Unsplash

Catholic bishops from the European Union have issued a joint statement asserting that artificial intelligence must always serve humanity.

Ted Hoogenboom, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Utrecht, signed the document on behalf of the bishops of the Netherlands. The statement was adopted in mid October during an autumn meeting in Brussels. This gathering took place within COMECE, which is the consultative body for bishops' conferences from European Union countries.

The bishops do not reject artificial intelligence and instead see significant opportunities for the general welfare and human development. However, they state that the rapid progress of the technology raises deep ethical, social, and legal questions, as well as questions regarding what it means to be human. They describe the current moment for humanity as decisive and call for Europe to act with responsibility, ambition, and urgency.

While the bishops welcome the existing European Union rules for artificial intelligence, they argue that the continent should take a global lead. They suggest that Europe must increase investments in artificial intelligence research and digital knowledge, using the human person as the starting point. They maintain that responsibility does not lie solely with politicians, but also extends to citizens, social organizations, schools, and companies.

The document outlines eight principles intended to guide legislation and policy both inside and outside Europe. These principles prioritize human dignity and individual responsibility. The bishops state that technical innovation must serve the general welfare while considering justice, solidarity, and creation. They warn that no human being is mere merchandise or data, and that every person is unique.

Furthermore, the bishops state that those who use or develop artificial intelligence must be transparent and accountable. They assert that the technology must not result in manipulation, exclusion, or discrimination. The statement also calls for the protection of the rule of law and democracy, as well as the careful governance of shared digital assets. Finally, they argue that artificial intelligence should contribute to brotherhood and peace.

This statement aligns with Magnifica humanitas, an encyclical published in May by Pope Leo XIV regarding the dangers and opportunities of artificial intelligence. The Brussels meeting began with a presentation of this encyclical, featuring a keynote speech by Paul Tighe from the Vatican dicastery for Culture and Education. The bishops concluded that the future of artificial intelligence should not be determined only by financial gain or technical capability, but must remain a tool for peace, the general welfare, and humanity.