The Catholic Church and AI
For many observers and followers of the Catholic Church and its stance on artificial intelligence, Fr. Philip Larrey—about to start his second year on the Boston College faculty—is the guru.
Fr. Larrey (pronounced “la-RAY”) has been characterized as one of the Church’s foremost experts on a technological advancement viewed as both as transformational as the wide-scale adoption of the Internet, and no less than an existential threat. His most recent book, Artificial Humanity (2019), offers a philosophical analysis of AI’s significance for humanity, and its predecessor, Connected World (2018), explores the profound effects of digital advancements on modern life.
A professor in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development who has contributed to its Department of Formative Education, Fr. Philip (as he prefers to be called) is an assistant professor of the practice in the Philosophy Department. Prior to arriving at BC last January, he spent three years as dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and 15 years as chair of Logic and Epistemology at the Rome-based Pontifical Lateran University.
An AI investigator and commentator for more than 20 years, he serves as chair of Humanity 2.0, a non-profit organization focused on identifying and removing the most significant impediments to human flourishing in collaboration with the Vatican.
In a Q&A, he discussed his own AI focus and how AI has shaped the Catholic Church’s position, as well as how the former Rome resident has adapted to living in the “Athens of America.”
Fr. Philip Larrey (Caitlin Cunningham)
What are the roots of your interest in AI?
As I taught philosophy of knowledge for many years, which explores what we mean by thought and how we think, I became interested in examining human thought through the lens of artificial intelligence. Therefore, I have followed the discussions around AI and machine learning and have tried to apply those lessons to a greater understanding of how human beings think and reason. There are many important distinctions between the two types of intelligence to keep in mind, so as not to conflate artificial intelligence with human cognition.
How did your intellectual inquiry into AI transition from researcher to organizing a yearly forum at the Vatican?
The formation of the Humanity 2.0 Foundation was important in terms of convening several significant forums at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The foundation represents an interesting network of people from many sectors of society who are willing to help the Holy Father and the Vatican address issues dealing with new technologies and AI. Cardinal Peter Turkson, chancellor of the academy, has been a true guide and mentor along this path.
It’s clear that Pope Francis has both embraced AI—underscoring that it should be used ethically to promote human dignity—while expressing serious concerns. Is it a realistic expectation that the Catholic Church, through the pope’s considerable influence, could meaningfully impact a yet unestablished global regulatory framework for AI ethics?
The short answer is yes. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia’s work from the Pontifical Academy for Life is also significant, especially his initiative called “Rome Call,” concerning the ethics of AI (which has been endorsed by many tech leaders as well as other significant actors in society). Given that there is currently no universally accepted group of norms or laws, the Church is positioned to contribute in a significant way to the development of a framework that will ensure that AI will be used to promote human flourishing and not its demise, as some in the field have predicted.
Magisterium AI, an authorized online evangelization tool that synthesizes and explains Catholic Church teaching, has its critics and supporters, but it’s already used in over 150 countries to help people achieve an understanding about faith and the Church in easily understood language. What are your concerns about this tool? What are its advantages? What role do you envision that it will have in the future?
We are only at the beginning with this platform, which I have always endorsed and supported, as I sit on their advisory board. The tool is being developed by very talented people who are familiar with the risks of using AI to provide answers to people asking questions concerning Church doctrine. The company which created Magisterium AI is in the process of developing very powerful tools based on AI which will benefit not only Catholics but society as well.
In addition to Rome, you lived in Spain and Denver, and you grew up in the Bay Area. BC is your first East Coast posting. What’s your impression of Greater Boston and Massachusetts?
I have spent most of my adult life in Rome, and so moving to Boston has represented a challenge for me, but one that I have embraced with enthusiasm. As I studied for many years at the Pontifical Gregorian University, one could say that I was raised by the Jesuits and therefore the environment at Boston College is very familiar: The wonderful Ignatian spirit found here resonates with me and I am glad to be a part of the University. Boston is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, and I am glad to be able to collaborate with various professors and institutions here.