Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, addressed the triennial congress of the Union of the African Catholic Press (UCAP) in Accra, Ghana. Ruffini emphasized the importance of journalists sharing stories with 'the intelligence of the heart' and avoiding confusion between means and ends. The congress, which runs until August 17th, focuses on the balance between technological progress and the preservation of human values in the age of artificial intelligence. Ruffini questioned how algorithms and machines can serve humanity in truth, knowledge, conscience, and beauty.
4 months ago
Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, addressed the triennial congress of the Union of the African Catholic Press (UCAP) in Accra, Ghana, emphasizing the critical need to balance technological progress with the preservation of human values in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) 1. The congress theme itself centered on this crucial equilibrium 1.
Ruffini urged journalists to approach their work "with the intelligence of the heart, with the wisdom of love," advocating for a form of storytelling that distinguishes between means and ends, truth and falsehood, and intuition and calculation 1. He stressed the importance of "remaining human" and continually striving to become more so, particularly as social media has "radically" transformed relations between institutions and peoples 1.
Ruffini highlighted a crossroads: either succumb to a "dictatorship of the machine, driven by totalitarian thinking" or uphold "human freedom, without which there is no truth" 1. He questioned how algorithms can genuinely serve humanity in truth, knowledge, conscience, and beauty, warning against systems of domination that disregard individual uniqueness and dignity by ignoring "the true, the just and the beautiful" 1.
Media professionals are called to strengthen their ability to educate audiences on promoting and preserving human values amidst technological advancement, especially AI 1. Ruffini underscored communication as a "mutual gift of ourselves" and a foundation for communion, which he identified as the "secret" of the Church’s communication 1. He noted that in a world grappling with violence and war, fostering spaces for encounter and dialogue is essential for the common good and peace, linking individual well-being to that of others 1.
While acknowledging the potential of technology to create spontaneous bonds, Ruffini stressed the need for awareness and discernment to promote an "ecclesial ‘we’" 1. This requires firm adherence to "appropriate ethical management" of AI and regulatory frameworks that are "centred" on the human person 1. The Ghana Journalists Association echoed this sentiment, identifying the commitment to anchor media work in enduring values like truth, fairness, responsibility, and compassion as essential 1.
How does the Church define service to humanity?
The Catholic Church defines service to humanity as an expression of charity and love, rooted in the understanding that every human being is created in the image of God and is therefore worthy of dignity and respect . This service is not merely social assistance but a manifestation of Trinitarian love, reflecting God's own love for humanity .
Service to humanity is intrinsically linked to the two great commandments of charity: love of God and love of neighbor . The love of neighbor is a direct consequence of the love of God, as Christ himself taught that what is done for the "least of these" is done for Him . This means that in serving others, especially the poor and suffering, Christians are serving Jesus Christ himself .
In essence, the Church's definition of service to humanity is a holistic approach rooted in divine love, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person, and actively working to alleviate suffering and promote human flourishing in imitation of Christ's own compassion and self-giving .