Friar Paolo Benanti: A Quest for Ethical AI Governance in the Heart of Rome
Bridging Faith and Technology in the Digital Age
In the heart of Rome, where ancient cobblestone streets intersect with the grandeur of the Vatican, there lives a man on a mission that transcends time. Friar Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan friar clad in the plain brown robes of his medieval order, embarks on a journey that delves into the ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI), a technology poised to reshape the fabric of human society.
Benanti, a trusted advisor to Pope Francis on technology, stands at the crossroads of faith and innovation. With a background in engineering, a doctorate in moral theology, and an unwavering passion for the “ethics of technology,” the 50-year-old Italian priest finds himself on an urgent quest, one that resonates deeply with Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword of Progress and Peril
“What is the difference between a man who exists and a machine that functions?” Benanti inquires, his voice carrying the weight of this profound question. “This is perhaps the greatest question of these times, because we are witnessing a challenge that every day grows more profound with a machine that is humanizing.”
Benanti’s influence extends beyond the hallowed halls of the Vatican. He serves as a member of the United Nations’ Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, a testament to his global recognition as a thought leader in this field. Additionally, he chairs an Italian government commission tasked with safeguarding journalism from the insidious spread of fake news and other forms of disinformation. His expertise is also sought by the Pontifical Academy for Life, a Vatican body dedicated to bioethical issues.
Benanti’s role as a trusted advisor to Pope Francis is evident in their frequent encounters, during which he helps “better clarify the more technical terms for the Holy Father.” His knowledge proved invaluable during a pivotal meeting in 2023 between Francis and Microsoft President Brad Smith, where they delved into the intricate ways AI could either uplift or diminish humanity.
The Pope’s Concern for Human Rights in the Age of AI
The Pope’s concern for the potential impact of AI on human rights is deeply rooted in his unwavering commitment to those marginalized by society. He fears that AI technology could exacerbate existing inequalities, negatively affecting homeownership prospects, asylum applications, and criminal justice outcomes.
Benanti echoes these concerns, emphasizing the need for inclusive data sets to prevent AI algorithms from perpetuating biases. He draws attention to the fact that much of the data that informs AI is gathered by low-wage workers, often from developing countries with a history of colonialism and exploitation.
“I don’t want this to be remembered as the season in which we extract from the global South cognitive resources,” he asserts. “If one examines the best tools that we are producing in AI in the West, one sees that AI is trained with underpaid workers from English-speaking former colonies.”
The Quest for Ethical AI Governance
The governance of AI has emerged as a pressing issue for nations worldwide, with the European Union taking a pioneering role in this endeavor. In late 2023, EU negotiators secured a landmark deal that paves the way for legal oversight of AI technology. Italy, under the leadership of Premier Giorgia Meloni, is also prioritizing AI regulation, recognizing its potential impact on employment. The country will host the G-7 summit in 2024, and Meloni has already met with Microsoft founder Bill Gates in Rome to discuss AI-related matters, with Benanti in attendance.
Benanti emphasizes that regulating AI should not stifle its development but rather ensure its compatibility with democratic values. “It means keeping them compatible with that fragile system that is democracy, that today seems to be the best system,” he asserts.
AI for Good: Harnessing Technology for the Common Good
The Vatican’s engagement with AI extends beyond ethical considerations. In 2023, the Holy See launched a new initiative called “AI for Good,” aimed at harnessing the power of AI to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality. This initiative reflects the Church’s commitment to leveraging technology for the common good, guided by the principles of justice, solidarity, and human dignity.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope in the Digital Age
As the world grapples with the profound implications of AI, Friar Paolo Benanti stands as a beacon of hope, a bridge between the ancient wisdom of faith and the boundless possibilities of technology. His mission is to ensure that AI serves humanity, rather than enslaving it, that it empowers the marginalized, rather than oppressing them, and that it preserves the delicate balance of democracy, rather than undermining it. It is a mission that transcends temporal boundaries, reaching into the future to shape a world where technology and ethics coexist in harmony.
Join Friar Paolo Benanti on his quest for ethical AI governance. Together, let us shape a future where technology empowers humanity, promotes justice, and preserves the dignity of every person.