Filipino theologians explore how Church should respond to AI
Two Filipino Dominican theologians, Leo‑Martin Angelo R. Ocampo and Ivan Efreaim A. Gozum, published a book titled Artificial Intelligence and the Catholic Church, addressing ethical, theological, and pastoral questions of AI. The book argues that AI should be developed and used to safeguard human dignity and serve the common good, urging the Church to engage beyond fear or fascination. It references Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas, which calls for discernment and a focus on human dignity, the poor, creation care, and peace in technological development. Cardinal José F. Advincula of Manila praised the book, highlighting AI as a major transformation and urging the Church to respond with wisdom, moral clarity, and evangelical hope.
about 1 month ago
Two Dominican theologians in the Philippines have published a book urging the Catholic Church to assess artificial intelligence not only as a technology, but also in light of its effects on human dignity, relationships and the common good. The volume considers ethical, theological and pastoral questions as AI becomes more embedded in daily life and Church activity.
Artificial Intelligence and the Catholic Church: Challenges, Discernment and Hope in a Digital Age is written by Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo, OP, and Ivan Efreaim A. Gozum, OP, faculty members and research associates at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Published by Claretian Communications, it draws on theology, ethics and social sciences.
Rather than framing the question as whether AI should simply be accepted or rejected, the authors examine how it might be designed, governed and used to serve people and communities. They address freedom and responsibility, human relationships, education, employment, communication, governance and the common good, as well as implications for religious education, pastoral ministry, evangelization and theological reflection.
The article places the book within the Church’s broader reflection on emerging technologies. It says Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas treats AI as one of the defining “new things” of the age and calls for shared discernment so that technological development serves human dignity and the common good.
The Pope’s approach, as described in the article, rejects both uncritical enthusiasm and unfounded fear. It emphasizes human dignity, the preferential option for the poor, care for creation and the pursuit of peace.
Cardinal José F. Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, calls AI one of the era’s major transformations and says the Church should engage with it using wisdom, moral clarity and evangelical hope. He commends the authors for considering how the Church can accompany people as AI becomes part of everyday life.
The book also received endorsements from theologians outside the Philippines. Daniel Patrick Huang, SJ, of the Pontifical Gregorian University, praises its attention to AI’s possibilities and risks and its “realistic hope”; Stephan van Erp, OP, of KU Leuven and Australian Catholic University, highlights its discussion of education, the economy, truth, justice, dignity and hope.
The authors’ work brings a Filipino theological perspective to an international debate about how AI should be used and what values should guide its development. The article presents their central concern as ensuring that technological progress remains at the service of people, human relationships and the common good.
AI must serve human dignity and the common good
Yes. In Catholic teaching, AI should be judged not only by whether it works or increases efficiency, but by whether its aims and methods respect every person’s dignity and serve the common good. Human beings must remain responsible for directing its design and use toward the authentic good of persons.
That means asking who benefits, who may be harmed or excluded, and whether the technology advances solidarity and the well-being of all—not just economic or technological goals. Efficiency cannot justify violating dignity or worsening inequality.