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How should Catholics respond to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence? What ethical, spiritual, and human questions does AI pose for the Church, for society, and for each of us?
Join a thought-provoking, two-day symposium exploring the intersection of faith, technology, and humanity. Grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, this event brings together theologians, ethicists, tech experts, and Church leaders to reflect on the promises and perils of AI. With keynote addresses, panel discussions, and practical workshops, the symposium will examine:
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Who should attend?
Clergy, religious, educators, students, tech professionals, and anyone interested in the future of faith in an AI-driven world. When: Friday & Saturday, October 17 & 18, 2025 Where: McGivney Hall, St. Mary's University (14500 Bannister Rd SE, Calgary) Registration
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Program & Speakers
The two-day gathering will be led by Bishop William McGrattan in prayer through Mass, opening reflections, and keynote on “AI and Catholic Works”, alongside St. Mary’s University leaders Lisa Laskowski and John Deausy, who will guide synodal-style listening sessions throughout the program.
Scholars and practitioners, including Steven Umbrello, Matthew Harvey Sanders, Louise Lodevole, and Dr. Ed Tse will explore AI through the lenses of Catholic doctrine, human dignity, family life, and societal impact. With opportunities for dialogue, panel discussions, and guided reflections.
Scholars and practitioners, including Steven Umbrello, Matthew Harvey Sanders, Louise Lodevole, and Dr. Ed Tse will explore AI through the lenses of Catholic doctrine, human dignity, family life, and societal impact. With opportunities for dialogue, panel discussions, and guided reflections.
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Steven UmbrelloSteven Umbrello is currently the Managing Director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies and a research fellow at the University of Turin working on the theology of Bernard Lonergan applied to artificial intelligence. He is also an associate researcher at the Collège des Bernardins, where he works on digital humanism, and was previously a research fellow at the Delft University of Technology and the Center for Religious Studies at the Bruno Kessler Foundation. He is the editor of several international academic journals, including the International Journal of Technoethics, the Journal of Responsible Technology, and the Journal of Ethics and Emerging Technologies. He was formerly a Stiftung Südtiroler Sparkasse Global Fellow at Eurac Research, where he worked on the philosophy, religion, and society program.
Steven is the author of several books, including Technology Ethics: Responsible Innovation and Design Strategies (2024) and his forthcoming co-authored book with Paul O’Hara, Can AI Ever Be Human? Consciousness Explored (2026). |
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Matthew Harvey SandersMatthew's work in artificial intelligence began during his time in Rome, where he helped Vatican organizations leverage technology more effectively. He was invited to lay the technological foundations with Google for the Holy See's Migrants and Refugees Section, a project Pope Francis personally oversaw.
This experience led him to focus his company, Longbeard, on building AI products for the Church's mission. Key developments include:
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Louisa LodevoleLuisa Lodevole is a Lecturer at the Centre of Research on Artificial Intelligence and Law (C.R.I.A.D.), University of Rome Tor Vergata, where she teaches Philosophy of Law, Bio-law, and Legal Informatics. A member of the Bar Association of Rome, she has practised civil, commercial, and labour law, and advised organizations on child safety in the digital world.
She holds degrees in Law (La Sapienza), and Master’s degrees in Bioethics from the Pontifical Institute John Paul II and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. She earned her PhD in “History and Theory of European Law” from Tor Vergata in 2014, with research on the legal protection of embryos. Luisa has authored a monograph on Abandoned Embryos and numerous articles on philosophy of law, bioethics, and the legal aspects of AI. She regularly contributes to international conferences and is a member of the editorial team of Christianity, World, Politics at Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw. |
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Dr. Edward TseDr. Ed Tse is a global keynote speaker and EdTech leader with a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence (Ai) and User Experience (Ux). In 2005, he witnessed firsthand how YouTube’s algorithms could manipulate attention, shaping media and politics in ways most still don’t see. This revelation drives his mission at AI Parenting, where he helps families break free from screen addiction and reclaim their relationships, mental health, and futures.
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Most Reverend William T. McGrattanMost Reverend William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, brings both technical and theological expertise to the symposium. With a background in chemical engineering, moral theology, and decades of pastoral leadership, he offers a unique perspective on faith in an age of rapid technological change.
At the AI symposium, Bishop McGrattan will guide reflection on how artificial intelligence impacts human dignity and Catholic life. |