Published Date : 9/10/2025
Artificial intelligence can make many parts of life easier, but the technology shouldn’t replace genuine human connection. Already, AI-produced obituaries are appearing in place of thoughtful remembrances written by those who knew the deceased. Meanwhile, deepfakes depicting people who have passed away proliferate across social media platforms, raising ethical concerns about digital representations of the dead.
For this series, The Good Newsroom spoke with Julia Stoyanovich of the Center for Responsible AI about using artificial intelligence ethically as society navigates this emerging technology. Stoyanovich, who leads the center’s research initiatives, emphasizes the importance of maintaining human oversight as AI becomes more sophisticated. The center offers extensive resources for utilizing AI responsibly across various applications, from healthcare to communications.
October 8 and 9 mark the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, a fitting time to reflect on keeping human intelligence central as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in daily life. The tension between technological advancement and human dignity remains a key consideration for the Church.
The New York-based Center for Responsible AI maintains regularly updated resources on ethical technology use. Their work becomes increasingly relevant as U.S. legislators continue crafting policies that will shape AI’s future landscape.
Both the late Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV have addressed AI’s relationship to the Catholic faith, offering perspectives that remain essential as the Church navigates the complexities of the AI age and its implications for human dignity and connection.
Q: What are the ethical concerns with AI-produced obituaries?
A: AI-produced obituaries can lack the personal touch and emotional depth that come from remembrances written by those who knew the deceased. This can lead to a loss of genuine human connection and memory.
Q: What is the role of the Center for Responsible AI?
A: The Center for Responsible AI provides resources and research to help ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly across various applications, from healthcare to communications.
Q: Why is human oversight important in AI?
A: Human oversight is crucial to ensure that AI systems do not make decisions that could harm individuals or society. It helps maintain accountability and ethical standards.
Q: How do deepfakes impact the representation of the deceased?
A: Deepfakes can create misleading or inappropriate representations of people who have passed away, raising ethical concerns about the integrity and dignity of their memory.
Q: What is the Church's stance on AI and human dignity?
A: The Church emphasizes the importance of maintaining human dignity and connection as AI technology advances. Both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV have addressed the ethical implications of AI in their teachings.