At the end of January, the Vatican released an important note, Antiqua et Nova, addressing the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence. At a time when AI is rapidly shaping society, this document explores the ethical, philosophical, and theological implications of the technology, grounding its insights in Catholic teaching.
AI is described as a tool designed to mimic certain human abilities, such as problem-solving, language processing, and pattern recognition. However, the Vatican makes a clear distinction: AI is not a form of intelligence in the way human cognition is. While AI can generate human-like outputs, it lacks consciousness, moral judgment, and relational depth. Unlike human intelligence, which is deeply connected to embodiment, relationships, and a sense of the transcendent, AI functions through statistical inference and data processing.
The document warns against a purely functionalist view of intelligence that reduces human thinking to a series of mechanical steps. It emphasises that true intelligence is not just about processing information efficiently but about seeking meaning, engaging in ethical reasoning, and forming relationships. The Church’s concern is not with AI itself but with how it is developed, used, and understood.
One of the core messages is that AI must serve humanity, not replace it. While AI has the potential to contribute to human flourishing—particularly in education, healthcare, and economic development—it also raises ethical challenges. These include biases in AI systems, the spread of misinformation, privacy violations, and the increasing concentration of power in a few corporations that control AI’s development. The Vatican cautions against a ‘technocratic paradigm’—the belief that technology alone can solve human problems—stressing that ethical oversight is essential.
The document also warns against the dehumanising effects of AI when used in ways that diminish human relationships. AI-generated content, including deepfakes and misinformation, threatens truth and trust in society. There are also concerns about AI’s role in the workplace, where it risks replacing human workers rather than complementing their skills, deepening economic inequality.
A particularly strong stance is taken against AI in warfare and surveillance. The Vatican condemns the development of autonomous weapons—machines that can make life-and-death decisions without human intervention—as a fundamental violation of human dignity. Similarly, the use of AI in mass surveillance and social scoring is seen as a direct threat to personal freedom.
Environmental concerns are also raised, as AI’s growing energy and resource consumption contradicts sustainability efforts. The document urges a responsible approach to AI development that minimises harm to both people and the planet.
At its heart, Antiqua et Nova is a call for a human-centred approach to AI—one that prioritises ethics, dignity, and the common good. The Vatican does not reject AI but instead calls for its responsible use, ensuring that technological progress aligns with moral and social responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- AI is a powerful tool but fundamentally different from human intelligence. It can replicate certain outputs but lacks consciousness, ethical reasoning, and the depth of human relationships.
- AI must be developed and used in ways that uphold human dignity. Concerns include bias, misinformation, economic inequality, and the ethical implications of AI decision-making.
- AI has the potential to enhance society in areas such as healthcare, education, and economic development. However, without oversight, it risks deepening social inequalities and consolidating power in a small number of corporations.
- AI should never replace human relationships. The Vatican warns against AI-driven social isolation and emphasises that human connection is essential for personal and societal well-being.
- The spread of AI-generated misinformation is a growing concern. Developers and users have a moral responsibility to ensure that AI-generated content promotes truth rather than manipulation.
- The Vatican strongly opposes AI-powered autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, viewing them as threats to human dignity and personal freedom.
- AI’s environmental impact must be considered. The document urges a development model that prioritises sustainability and responsible resource use.
- AI regulation must focus on fairness, justice, and accountability. International collaboration is needed to ensure AI aligns with ethical principles and serves the common good.
The Vatican’s reflections on AI offer a timely and thoughtful perspective, calling for a measured and ethical approach to technological progress. AI should remain a tool that enhances human life—one that supports, rather than replaces, genuine human intelligence, relationships, and moral responsibility. The challenge is not just how we develop AI, but how we ensure it reflects the values that make us truly human.
You can access the full note here: ANTIQUA ET NOVA