AI for Peace and Social Justice: A Digital Rerum Novarum

Published Date : 17/10/2025 

A conference at the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences brings together global experts to explore the ethical and human-centered use of AI for peace, social justice, and integral human development. 

A conference organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) under the theme “Digital Rerum Novarum: Artificial Intelligence for Peace, Social Justice, and Integral Human Development” brought together 50 global experts from various disciplines at the Casina Pio IV in the Vatican on October 16–17. The event aimed to foster dialogue and share experiences that could promote a responsible, ethical, and human-centered use of artificial intelligence (AI), one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

During the event, participants launched the Latin American AI Network for Integral Human Development. This network seeks to integrate the use of AI with attention to “the cry of the poor” and the advancement of inclusive and sustainable productive policies inspired by the principles of integral ecology.

The seminar combined academic and practical perspectives, bringing together theoretical research and the analysis of concrete case studies. Participants underscored the urgency of halting the AI arms race, echoing Pope Leo XIII’s appeal for the “audacity of disarmament.” They also highlighted the need to align the various AI regulation initiatives under a shared global framework—one that is binding, includes mechanisms for enforcement, and is supported by institutions suited to the digital age.

Discussions emphasized the importance of thinking “outside the opaque box of algorithms” and addressing the social challenges of our time, with particular attention to the voices of the most vulnerable. Environmental sustainability was another major theme, with a focus on reducing the energy consumption of data centers, developing AI infrastructure consistent with new industrial models, and enhancing regional cooperation—especially in less developed countries.

The future of work was examined through the lens of technological social justice, calling for cooperation among workers, employers, scientists, and governments to ensure a fair distribution of the benefits of AI. Proposals discussed included universal basic income, universal basic capital, and strategies to strengthen global value chains that treat technological progress as a global public good.

Other key issues addressed included the ethical management of data that respects privacy and cultural diversity; access to computing power, connectivity, and electricity; cybersecurity and risk mitigation; and the development of skills needed for employment in the AI era. Participants also underlined the need to overcome monopolistic concentration in the AI market, emphasizing the importance of transparency and institutional innovation. In this context, the seminar highlighted the relevance of developing new business models that create fair and effective incentives for innovation and social benefit.

Speakers called for an AI that is integrated into innovative industrial policies, capable of aligning with the pace of technological progress while placing human work at the center of social cohesion and development. Respect for fundamental human rights in the digital era was another major focus. Participants discussed the need to develop “neuro-rights,” aimed at safeguarding individuals from potential risks arising from interactions between the human mind and invasive technologies.

Consistent with recent scientific statements, the seminar reaffirmed that human beings must always retain the final authority in making fundamental decisions concerning the use and governance of AI technologies. A significant outcome of the event was the creation of the AI Knowledge Network for Integral Human Development in Latin America, comprising participating institutions and experts. The Network seeks to strengthen the region’s presence alongside other global initiatives and to foster collaboration on ethical and inclusive AI development.

The Network will operate under the auspices of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), with contributions from institutions including the University of Massachusetts, the University of Notre Dame, the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory of the University of Buenos Aires, the Getulio Vargas Foundation, the AI Civic Lab at Northeastern University, the Confederation of AI Laboratories in Europe, the United Nations Development Programme, the Alana Foundation, the National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Chile, the Development Bank of Latin America, and the Florence Institute of the European University.

It will hold regular meetings to exchange knowledge and best practices, assess implementation challenges, and encourage broad regional participation—guided by the principle that “the most innovative machines should serve people, and not the other way around.” The seminar, organized in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame, was opened by Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of PASS, who reviewed the institution’s ongoing work in this field, and by Sister Helen Alford, President of PASS, who emphasized the intrinsic connection between AI, peace, and development. Monsignor Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, moderated the session on the future of work.

Gustavo Beliz and Paolo Carozza, both members of PASS, stressed the need for multidisciplinary dialogue that transcends technocratic approaches and for proactive measures that ensure the positive, cooperative, and inclusive integration of AI in the service of integral human development. Among the participants were leading experts including David Autor (MIT), Jaron Lanier (Microsoft), Daniel Innerarity (University of Europe), Nathan Gardels (Berggruen Institute), Carme Artigas, Jimena Viveros, and Vanina Martínez (UN High-Level Commission on AI), Molly Kinder (Brookings Institution), Tongdong Bai (Fudan University), Jeffrey Sachs (Columbia University), Luis Moreno Ocampo and Néstor Caticha (University of São Paulo), Markus Brunnermeier (Princeton University), Delfina Belli (The Future Society), Rebeka Finlay (Partnership on AI), Paul Nemitz (College of Europe), Gregory Reichberg (Peace Research Institute Oslo), Mateo Balero (Barcelona Supercomputing Center), James Williams (Oxford Internet Institute), and Nitesh Chawla (University of Notre Dame). 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the theme of the conference at the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences?

A: The theme of the conference is 'Digital Rerum Novarum: Artificial Intelligence for Peace, Social Justice, and Integral Human Development.'

Q: What significant outcome was achieved at the conference?

A: A significant outcome was the creation of the Latin American AI Network for Integral Human Development, which seeks to integrate the use of AI with attention to the needs of the most vulnerable and the advancement of inclusive and sustainable policies.

Q: What are some key issues addressed during the seminar?

A: Key issues included the ethical management of data, respect for privacy and cultural diversity, access to computing power, cybersecurity, risk mitigation, and the development of skills needed for employment in the AI era.

Q: Who are some of the leading experts who participated in the seminar?

A: Leading experts who participated include David Autor (MIT), Jaron Lanier (Microsoft), Daniel Innerarity (University of Europe), Nathan Gardels (Berggruen Institute), and many others from prestigious institutions around the world.

Q: What is the principle guiding the AI Knowledge Network for Integral Human Development in Latin America?

A: The principle guiding the AI Knowledge Network for Integral Human Development in Latin America is that 'the most innovative machines should serve people, and not the other way around.' 

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