Bishop McGrattan: Catholic leaders reflect on AI and human dignity

Photos: Archdiocese of Edmonton

The Holy Father’s first Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas dedicated to the protection of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence coincided with the Alberta Bishops Mission Collaboration Initiative (MCI) Summit on AI in Edmonton this past week.

The MCI is a forum that brings together Catholic leaders within our province of Alberta who are working in the areas of education, healthcare, and social services to offer insight and advice to the bishops on emerging social and moral issues.

It was acknowledged that we are at a historic crossroads in which the technical progress introduced through AI will require “ethical guardrails” guided by the inherent dignity of the human person and supported by principles of Catholic Social Teaching: the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity, and social justice (MH 59-81).  

As the encyclical states ‘the magnificent humanity created by God stands today before a decisive choice: to erect a new Tower of Babel or to build the holy city, where God and humanity dwell together’. The transformation that AI can potentially unleash in its development and application can never redefine what it means to be human or replace moral responsibility. It must be directed toward promoting a civilization of communion and love in contrast to a culture of power promoted through an AI “technological paradigm."      

At this year’s MCI Summit on "Artificial Intelligence and the Catholic Church: Navigating AI and the Digital Age Through Catholic Social Teaching," the new encyclical of Pope Leo XIV provided a timely reference point for a panel discussion on renewing the Church through mission, management, and ministry in the face of the challenges posed by AI.

The panellists all acknowledged that we are experiencing an epochal shift and that human dignity is non-negotiable, yet at the same time, our humanity is prone to weakness and limitations, which is the experience of being fully human. Relationships, being vulnerable and compassionate, and caring for one another are the response of Christ and what the Church can offer at this time.
​
The Summit then focused on the real experience of Catholic leaders from social services, healthcare, and education. There were a variety of presentations from each of these apostolates exploring how AI could be used in positive ways while also being cautionary and vigilant about its negative impact on people.

​In the area of social services, there were two presentations: "Encountering Newcomers and AI," and "Loneliness in the Age of AI." The process of inculturation and language for refugees and immigrants is now being enhanced by AI translation chatbots. However, like others in society, AI is impacting the nature of work and human labour, which the encyclical states will require renewed moral discernment.

The presentation on the experience of human loneliness, which has been increasing in the age of AI, posed questions about how we understand human vulnerability and weakness from a philosophical, social, and theological perspective. Through our faith, we have the example of Jesus Christ, both as a paradigm for those experiencing this human condition and also as the model for the accompaniment and presence we are called to offer others.

The presentation on "Reimagining Health in the Age of AI" explored how Covenant Health was pioneering digital applications of AI for diagnostic testing, healthcare record keeping, and administrative medical interactions, which focused on efficiency and effectiveness, thus allowing nurses and doctors to be more present to patients with the ultimate goal of increasing personal and human interactions. The restrictions necessary for the privacy of information were acknowledged; manipulation of data and misinformation must be guarded against, in addition to applications of automation in healthcare, to simply reduce expenditures and replace healthcare workers. 

The final panel discussion addressed the theme of Education: "Hope for the Future." It involved K-12 and post-secondary teachers and students as participants. The impact of AI on the educational experience of students became the primary focus of input and reflection. The outsourcing of critical thinking and analysis by students, the consumption of screen time, which can isolate young people and impact their natural human interactions, and the growing concern about future employment and work for post-secondary students were some of the topics touched upon.

The panellists reiterated that the human dynamics and interpersonal interactions that occur between teachers and students in the classroom are essential and must be preserved if the educational experience and the art of learning are to be truly human and filled with the promise of hope.

Throughout the Summit, after each of the three presentations, the participants, who were in small groups, entered into synodal listening sessions to share what resonated for them, what questions and opportunities exist, and what issues may need to be addressed in navigating AI in the digital age. This was all done through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching with the aid of the recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.

In the end, all this information was gathered and offered by each group as two key messages to advise the Alberta Bishops on next steps in guiding the faithful on AI and the protection of the human person.     

Vertical Divider

Written by Bishop William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary

​June 1, 2026