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The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington is set to introduce two new degree programs focused on artificial intelligence (AI), launching in the fall of 2025. The offerings include a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in AI, with specialized tracks covering areas such as AI in healthcare, robotics, ethical AI design, and large language models.
This initiative aligns with Pope Francis's statement from November 2015: “We are not living an era of change but a change of era.” The rapid advancements in AI technology have prompted CUA to respond strategically by developing these programs.
Aaron Dominguez, CUA provost and professor of physics, began contemplating these degrees during the Builders Artificial Intelligence Forum held at the Vatican Gardens in October 2024. This forum gathered various professionals dedicated to developing AI products that align with the church’s mission. Matthew Harvey Sanders, CEO of Longbeard, led this interdisciplinary gathering.
Dominguez reflected on his experience at the forum: “He convened about 80 of us,” he said. “Catholics from around the world...to discuss this moment of AI in the church and the human person.” He emphasized that attendees were all faithful Catholics focused on exploring AI's role within the church.
Dominguez expressed urgency for these developments following discussions about ethical considerations surrounding AI. “We are placed in Rome and in Washington, D.C. So you know if God is not giving us a hint — then I don’t know what’s happening,” he stated.
Highlighting societal implications similar to those seen during the Industrial Revolution, Dominguez noted that different types of AI should encourage virtue rather than moral neutrality or user isolation. He advocated for establishing ethical boundaries regarding generative artificial intelligence.
“We should be setting up similar boundaries — because they’re not being set up — about this kind of generative artificial intelligence,” Dominguez remarked. He sees CUA’s new degrees as contributing significantly to addressing these challenges while fostering discussions both domestically and internationally.
While other institutions offer comparable programs, CUA distinguishes itself by integrating Catholic moral teachings into its curriculum. Dominguez explained: “That’s our secret sauce...we’re never going to outcompete MIT’s AI Lab...but they don’t have hundreds of theologians and philosophers wandering the halls.”
Dominguez extended an invitation for collaboration: “We’re looking for students...partners...smart people; looking for donors,” he said enthusiastically.
Kimberley Heatherington reports for OSV News from Virginia.
