A new book examines how the Catholic Church should respond to artificial intelligence. It was written by two Filipino Dominican theologians.
The book is called "Artificial Intelligence and the Catholic Church: Challenges, Discernment and Hope in a Digital Age." Claretian Communications published it.
The authors are Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo and Ivan Efreaim A. Gozum. Both are members of the Order of Preachers, known as Dominicans.
They teach at the Institute of Religion at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in Manila. They are also research associates at the school's Center for Theology, Religious Studies and Ethics.
The book looks at AI as more than just a piece of technology. It treats AI as something that is changing human relationships, work, education and communication.
The authors also examine how AI affects governance and social life. They ask how the technology can be designed and used to serve people.
Pope Leo XIV's Guidance on AI
The book follows guidance from Pope Leo XIV. In his Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas, he names AI as one of the defining developments of this era.
The Pope calls for wisdom and shared discernment so technology stays focused on human dignity. He also stresses the common good as a guide for AI development.
Pope Leo XIV warns against two extremes. He says people should avoid both blind excitement about AI and unfounded fear of it.
Instead, he calls for an approach based on human dignity. He also points to care for the poor, care for the environment and the pursuit of peace.
Ocampo and Gozum build on this guidance throughout their book. They do not simply ask if AI should be accepted or rejected.
Instead, they study how AI can be designed and governed. Their goal is to make sure the technology serves individuals and communities.
The book also looks at AI's effect on religious education and pastoral work. It covers evangelization and theological reflection as well.
Praise From Church Leaders
Cardinal José F. Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila, wrote the foreword. He describes AI as one of the most important transformations of this age.
The cardinal says AI is changing how people work, communicate, govern, learn and see themselves. He says the Church must respond with wisdom, moral clarity and evangelical hope.
The book has also drawn praise from theologians outside the Philippines. Fr. Daniel Patrick Huang, a Jesuit priest at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, called it a valuable introduction to AI.
Huang pointed to the authors' focus on both the benefits and the risks of AI. He described their approach as one of realistic hope, linked to the Dominican tradition.
Stephan van Erp, a professor at KU Leuven and a fellow at Australian Catholic University, also praised the book. He called it a timely and well informed introduction to artificial intelligence.
Van Erp highlighted the book's look at AI's impact on education and the economy. He also noted its focus on truth, justice, human dignity and hope.
The authors say the conversation about AI cannot be separated from the Church's mission to protect human dignity. Their work adds a Filipino voice to a global discussion on the topic.
