The Vatican has published an ethical framework on artificial intelligence (AI), urging Catholics to be mindful of its potential misuses.

In a new document, Church leaders stressed the need for awareness regarding AI's capabilities, particularly its use in warfare. The Vatican highlighted the problematic nature of weaponising AI, noting that remote military operations have contributed to a “lessened perception” of the devastation caused by such systems and the “burden of responsibility” that comes with them. The document called it “critically important” to understand AI’s ethical impact on humanity, urging that its applications be used not only to mitigate risks and prevent harm but also to promote human progress and the common good. It stressed that AI should complement human intelligence rather than replace its richness.

Approved by Pope Francis on 14th January, the framework was developed over six months by a Vatican team from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education, with consultation from experts in the field. The document acknowledged the unpredictable future of AI, but stated that autonomous machines should always remain adjunct to human control. “The atrocities committed throughout history are enough to raise deep concerns about the potential abuses of AI,” it said. “No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being.”

The Vatican also raised concerns about AI's ability to spread misinformation, which it warned could erode societal trust. “AI-generated fake media can gradually undermine the foundations of society,” the document said, advocating for cautious regulations to prevent misinformation from fuelling “political polarization and social unrest.” The document covered a range of topics, including AI’s impact on relationships, work, healthcare, education, and security.

Referencing Pope Francis’ 2024 World Peace Day Message, the Vatican condemned the use of autonomous military AI, stressing that AI lacks the “unique human capacity for moral judgement and ethical decision-making.” Pope Francis had previously called for militaries to discontinue the use of these systems, saying it was crucial to ensure greater human control over them. In a letter to political, economic, and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland last week, Pope Francis warned that AI could exacerbate the growing “crisis of truth,” echoing similar remarks he made at a G7 meeting last year. He described AI as “a true cognitive-industrial revolution” that would contribute to the creation of a new social system marked by profound transformations.

Last month, the Vatican also issued a separate regulatory document, outlining its guidelines for the use of AI within the Church itself.