Faith, Ethics, and AI: A Conversation with Brian P. Green

Published Date : 08/08/2025 

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, particularly through large language models like ChatGPT, has prompted Pope Leo XIV to emphasize the Church's role in ethical AI discussions. Brian P. Green, an expert in technology ethics, shares insights on the Vatican's approach to AI. 

The Saturday after Pope Leo XIV was elected, he gave an address to cardinals, explaining his choice of the name Leo. He said there were various reasons for his decision, 'but mainly because Pope Leo XIII in his historic Encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution,' Pope Leo XIV stated. 'In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor.'

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence, most visible through large language models like ChatGPT, was the driving force behind Pope Leo’s name choice. In the early days of his pontificate, he is suggesting that the Church has a key role to play in discussions about artificial intelligence, including its use, regulation, and impact on society and individual human beings.

Our guest today is one of the world’s foremost experts on technology ethics and has served on a Vatican AI research group that is gathering scholars from multiple disciplines to engage issues around artificial intelligence. Brian Patrick Green is the director of technology ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University and teaches AI ethics and space ethics in Santa Clara University’s Graduate School of Engineering. With a background in both technology and Catholic moral theology, Brian is perfectly positioned to help the Church think through the potential benefits and risks of AI and what our own spiritual and ethical traditions might have to offer the societal conversation at large.

Host Mike Jordan Laskey asked Brian to discuss his work and how the Vatican is approaching the complex issues surrounding artificial intelligence. They also talked about how a Catholic might think about whether or not to use AI tools and how to use them ethically. Mike was impressed by how clearly and compellingly Brian explained these complex topics. As AI developments are changing rapidly, they feel like they will be calling Brian back soon to hear his updated perspectives.

For more, check out the Vatican AI research group’s book that Brian contributed to, 'Encountering Artificial Intelligence.' This book delves into the anthropological and ethical implications of AI, offering valuable insights for both religious and secular audiences.

AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Media Lab, a project of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. The Jesuit Media Lab aims to use media and technology to promote the values and mission of the Jesuit order, including social justice, education, and spiritual growth. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the significance of Pope Leo XIV choosing the name 'Leo'?

A: Pope Leo XIV chose the name 'Leo' primarily because Pope Leo XIII addressed the social question in the context of the first industrial revolution in his Encyclical Rerum Novarum. Pope Leo XIV sees a parallel with the current industrial revolution and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, emphasizing the Church's role in addressing these issues.

Q: Who is Brian P. Green and what is his role in the Vatican AI research group?

A: Brian P. Green is the director of technology ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. He teaches AI ethics and space ethics and has served on a Vatican AI research group, which gathers scholars from multiple disciplines to engage with issues around artificial intelligence.

Q: What are the key ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence?

A: Key ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence include the impact on human dignity, justice, labor, and privacy. There are also concerns about the potential misuse of AI, the responsibility of developers and users, and the need for transparency and accountability in AI systems.

Q: How can a Catholic approach the use of AI tools ethically?

A: A Catholic can approach the use of AI tools by considering the principles of human dignity, justice, and the common good. They should reflect on the potential benefits and risks of AI, ensure that AI is used to enhance human well-being, and avoid using AI in ways that harm others or undermine moral values.

Q: What is the Vatican's stance on artificial intelligence?

A: The Vatican recognizes the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence and emphasizes the need for ethical guidelines and regulations. The Vatican is engaging scholars from various disciplines to explore the implications of AI and to ensure that it is used in a way that respects human dignity and promotes the common good. 

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