Alerts Sign-up
The U.S. bishops have called on House and Senate leaders to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) is governed by an ethical policy framework. In a letter dated June 9, the bishops acknowledged AI's potential but highlighted its challenges, urging policymakers to consider ethical principles in their deliberations.
The bishops emphasized the importance of responsibility and discernment in AI development, citing Pope Leo XIV’s call for AI to benefit all of humanity. They admitted their lack of technical expertise but stressed their pastoral role in safeguarding human dignity and the common good.
The letter pointed out AI's implications across various sectors, including labor, family life, healthcare, and warfare. It expressed concerns over lethal autonomous weapons and advocated for human control over weapon systems to prevent warfare atrocities and uphold human rights.
Bishop William D. Byrne of Springfield, Massachusetts, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Communications, underscored the rapid influence of AI on society. He urged lawmakers to align with Pope Leo XIV’s guidance for responsible AI development that benefits everyone.
Addressed to key congressional leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, the letter called for AI policies grounded in care for the common good and respect for truth. The bishops warned against AI's misuse in spreading misinformation and deepfakes, stressing the need for human oversight to maintain transparency and democracy.
Other issues highlighted included AI's environmental impact due to high electricity consumption and electronic waste generation, as well as threats to data privacy and intellectual property rights.
The letter was signed by chairs of six U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops committees, including Bishop David M. O’Connell of Trenton, New Jersey; Metropolitan Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak; Bishop Robert E. Barron; Bishop A. Elias Zaidan; and Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.
Earlier this month, Maryland’s Catholic bishops issued a pastoral letter urging Catholics to prioritize "human dignity" while embracing emerging technologies like AI. They stressed using these technologies positively rather than allowing them to dehumanize or dominate individuals.
