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Catholic Leaders Call for Ethical Boundaries as AI Expands in Church Ministry
When EWTN News aired its September 9 special, viewers were invited to sit at a table where AI experts and Catholic thinkers debated the future of faith in a digital age. Titled "Beyond Fear: A Catholic Vision for Artificial Intelligence," the program brought together technology executives and church scholars to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping society—and the Church itself.
The special was framed by Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, released on May 25, 2026. In it, the pontiff calls for safeguarding human dignity amid rapid technological change, urging that all progress be measured against the central criterion of human worth. The encyclical was presented personally by the pope at the Vatican and drew a diverse audience, including Anthropic co‑founder Chris Olah. It reinforces the Church’s social doctrine—common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity—as lenses for interpreting AI’s transformative impact.
At the start of the broadcast, Montse Alvarado, president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, underscored the urgency of the conversation. "AI is rapidly reshaping society and the Church," she said. "We need firm ethical boundaries, human‑centered leadership, and faith‑guided discernment to ensure technology strengthens, not erodes, human dignity."
Joel Chakra, president of the Tim Tebow Foundation and venture capitalist in AI companies, offered a more optimistic view. "There’s a good side to that exponential innovation because it helps us get to the most vulnerable people faster," he said. He cautioned, however, that AI can "rob us of our true humanity," adding that society must choose how the technology is deployed.
Sara Anderson of Pushpay—a digital‑giving and church‑management platform—shared how her team leverages AI to streamline parish administration. "The goal is not to replace human connection but to free priests, volunteers, and parish workers from tedious data entry and outdated systems," Anderson explained. She noted that many potential church members find current tools antiquated, and AI can enhance their experience.
Former Google senior vice president Vic Gundotra, a Catholic convert, recounted how AI helped him discover Catholic teachings that resonated with early Church Fathers. He warned that the same technology can amplify human failings. "Any tool can be used to amplify the worst in human capability," he said. Gundotra urged parents to guide young people’s use of AI, noting the real risks it poses.
Arthur C. Brooks, author of the foreword to Magnifica Humanitas, offered a balanced perspective. "AI can either diminish or deepen human dignity, depending on how it is used," he said. Brooks acknowledged concerns about job loss and disruption but remained optimistic, stating, "I’m not a pessimist. I’m an optimist. I do realize that there’s displacement. I do realize that there’s a lot to be concerned about. But I also know that humans are unbelievably ingenious that the Lord made us to solve problems."
The speakers converged on a single theme: the Church must cultivate leaders versed in technology while setting clear limits that keep digital tools from supplanting human ministry. Anderson added, "Boundaries are needed to help create the best use of technology. And the other way is through AI policies, ethics, and framework."
The EWTN special showcased real‑world applications of AI in parish ministry, philanthropy, financial management, and outreach. It also underscored the Church’s call for ethical AI policies that align with Catholic social teaching.
As of now, Magnifica Humanitas remains the primary doctrinal reference for Catholic engagement with AI. The Vatican has not issued specific regulatory guidelines, but the encyclical’s emphasis on human dignity is expected to shape future Church statements and potential policy development. No new AI products or regulatory actions have been announced, and the Church continues to encourage faith‑filled individuals to take leadership roles in technology.
In sum, while AI offers powerful tools for ministry, it must be guided by ethical frameworks rooted in faith and human dignity. The Church’s next steps will likely involve developing detailed AI policies, fostering technological leadership within the clergy and laity, and monitoring the evolving impact of AI on society.
The special was framed by Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, released on May 25, 2026. In it, the pontiff calls for safeguarding human dignity amid rapid technological change, urging that all progress be measured against the central criterion of human worth. The encyclical was presented personally by the pope at the Vatican and drew a diverse audience, including Anthropic co‑founder Chris Olah. It reinforces the Church’s social doctrine—common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity—as lenses for interpreting AI’s transformative impact.
At the start of the broadcast, Montse Alvarado, president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, underscored the urgency of the conversation. "AI is rapidly reshaping society and the Church," she said. "We need firm ethical boundaries, human‑centered leadership, and faith‑guided discernment to ensure technology strengthens, not erodes, human dignity."
Joel Chakra, president of the Tim Tebow Foundation and venture capitalist in AI companies, offered a more optimistic view. "There’s a good side to that exponential innovation because it helps us get to the most vulnerable people faster," he said. He cautioned, however, that AI can "rob us of our true humanity," adding that society must choose how the technology is deployed.
Sara Anderson of Pushpay—a digital‑giving and church‑management platform—shared how her team leverages AI to streamline parish administration. "The goal is not to replace human connection but to free priests, volunteers, and parish workers from tedious data entry and outdated systems," Anderson explained. She noted that many potential church members find current tools antiquated, and AI can enhance their experience.
Former Google senior vice president Vic Gundotra, a Catholic convert, recounted how AI helped him discover Catholic teachings that resonated with early Church Fathers. He warned that the same technology can amplify human failings. "Any tool can be used to amplify the worst in human capability," he said. Gundotra urged parents to guide young people’s use of AI, noting the real risks it poses.
Arthur C. Brooks, author of the foreword to Magnifica Humanitas, offered a balanced perspective. "AI can either diminish or deepen human dignity, depending on how it is used," he said. Brooks acknowledged concerns about job loss and disruption but remained optimistic, stating, "I’m not a pessimist. I’m an optimist. I do realize that there’s displacement. I do realize that there’s a lot to be concerned about. But I also know that humans are unbelievably ingenious that the Lord made us to solve problems."
The speakers converged on a single theme: the Church must cultivate leaders versed in technology while setting clear limits that keep digital tools from supplanting human ministry. Anderson added, "Boundaries are needed to help create the best use of technology. And the other way is through AI policies, ethics, and framework."
The EWTN special showcased real‑world applications of AI in parish ministry, philanthropy, financial management, and outreach. It also underscored the Church’s call for ethical AI policies that align with Catholic social teaching.
As of now, Magnifica Humanitas remains the primary doctrinal reference for Catholic engagement with AI. The Vatican has not issued specific regulatory guidelines, but the encyclical’s emphasis on human dignity is expected to shape future Church statements and potential policy development. No new AI products or regulatory actions have been announced, and the Church continues to encourage faith‑filled individuals to take leadership roles in technology.
In sum, while AI offers powerful tools for ministry, it must be guided by ethical frameworks rooted in faith and human dignity. The Church’s next steps will likely involve developing detailed AI policies, fostering technological leadership within the clergy and laity, and monitoring the evolving impact of AI on society.
