Catholic Church to host conference on AI in Maynooth

The Catholic Church in Ireland is set to host a conference on artificial intelligence in Maynooth next month. The event, organized by the Irish Bishops Conference, will feature presentations from industry leaders and policymakers focused on the regulation and ethical use of AI technology.

Following an encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIV in May, the conference aims to address the potential risks associated with AI systems. Magnifica Humanitas, or "Magnificent Humanity," urges governments to regulate AI development and warns that these systems could spread misinformation, promote conflict, and lead the world towards perpetual war.

The half-day seminar, hosted by Archbishop Eamon Martin, will be attended by Emma Redmond, Head of OpenAI Ireland, and Niamh Smyth, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Pope Leo has emphasized addressing the dangers of AI as a central theme of his papacy, advocating for the creation of AI systems that foster peace rather than division in society.

During a recent speech in France, the pontiff cautioned that a "paradise of machines" could undermine humanity, raising profound questions about human identity in the era of artificial intelligence.