On April 29, a recent meeting took place, part of an ongoing series of discussions that signify a discreet lobbying initiative by the technology sector ahead of the upcoming encyclical from Pope Leo. This official papal document, which is set to be released on Monday, will articulate the Catholic Church's stance on artificial intelligence.
For years, the tech industry has endeavored to persuade both governments and the public about the ethical development of AI. Now, they are actively making their case within the Vatican walls.
In the months leading up to this encyclical, tech representatives have traveled to Rome to engage with Church officials involved in the dialogue, positioning themselves as allies in the responsible advancement of AI. Their efforts have reached the Vatican through various means, including embassy events, smaller meetings, and contact with Catholic figures who have substantial connections to the tech community.
The stakes surrounding Leo’s first encyclical are notably high. Scheduled for a personal presentation by the Pope, the document has seen input from cardinals, industry experts, and businesses, all curious about how the Church will address a technology that increasingly influences the global economy, workplace dynamics, and significant aspects of everyday life.
Sarah El Haïry, the high commissioner for children in the French government and a participant in the recent gathering, indicated that the encyclical's implications could extend far beyond the Vatican itself. She drew parallels to Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical on workers' rights, which played a crucial role in shaping Catholic social teachings during the Industrial Revolution.
"The Pope's encyclical could create significant ripples, much like Leo XIII's document established a foundational viewpoint for navigating the industrial age,” she mentioned to POLITICO. “Many countries have, in some manner, sought inspiration from this teaching."
