In the heart of the Vatican, a Franciscan friar, Paolo Benanti, is gaining recognition for his unique role in bridging the gap between ancient religious traditions and modern technological challenges. Dressed in the modest brown robes of his order, Benanti is at the forefront of addressing one of the most critical issues of our time: the ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI).
A mission for ethical AI
Friar Paolo Benanti, a consultant to the Vatican and head of the Italian committee on Artificial Intelligence, brings a unique combination of expertise to the table. With an engineering background and a doctorate in moral theology, Benanti focuses on the intersection of technology and ethics. He is tasked with guiding discussions on how AI can be used to enhance human life rather than exploit it.
Benanti’s work has gained the attention of the highest echelons of both religious and technological circles. He advises Pope Francis on AI matters and engages with Silicon Valley’s elite. His mission aligns with Pope Francis’s vision, advocating for an international treaty on the ethical use of AI, as mentioned in the Pope’s 2024 peace message.
At the Pontifical Gregorian University, Benanti teaches courses like moral theology and bioethics, emphasizing the critical distinction between human existence and machine functionality. His teachings raise profound questions about the humanization of machines and their impact on society.
The global impact of AI governance
Benanti’s influence extends beyond the Vatican walls. He is a member of the United Nations’ Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and leads an Italian government commission on safeguarding journalism from fake news. His insights were instrumental in a 2023 meeting between Pope Francis and Microsoft President Brad Smith, focusing on AI’s potential benefits and harms to humanity.
The Franciscan friar’s concerns echo Pope Francis’s worries about AI’s impact on human rights, particularly in marginalized communities. Benanti underscores the importance of inclusive data in AI development to prevent discriminatory outcomes in crucial areas like housing, immigration, and criminal justice.
Benanti’s dialogue with technology leaders, including Microsoft’s Brad Smith, highlights his unique perspective, combining engineering, ethics, and technology. His concerns about AI’s governance are not about stifling its growth but ensuring its compatibility with democratic principles.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Benanti’s role is pivotal. He emphasizes the ethical implications of AI, which could potentially match or exceed human capabilities. His advocacy highlights the need for AI governance that considers the exploitation of low-wage workers in developing countries, often the unseen backbone of AI data.
Friar Paolo Benanti’s work at the Vatican represents a significant intersection of faith, ethics, and technology. As AI continues to advance, his insights and advocacy play a crucial role in shaping policies and perspectives that ensure AI’s development aligns with human dignity and democratic values.
