Antiqua et nova
| Ancient and new | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Original title | Antiqua et nova |
| Ratified | 14 January 2025 |
| Date effective | 28 January 2025 |
| Commissioned by | |
| Signatories | |
| Subject | Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence |
| Official website | |
| English text on vatican.va | |
Antiqua et nova[a] (English: Ancient and new) is a doctrinal note co-issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education in January 2025 which addresses "the anthropological and ethical challenges raised by AI."[2][3][4]
Background
[edit]With the substantial increase in the proliferation and usage of large language models such as ChatGPT, Pope Francis expressed concerns about a "technocratic" future and transparenct in the development of further artificial intelligence technologies at the 2024 G7 summit.[5] He also addressed the topic in his October 2024 encyclical Dilexit nos.[6] The Vatican City State enacted laws about the usage of AI on 1 January 2025.[7]
On 14 January 2025, Pope Francis met with Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and approved the draft document of Antiqua et nova.[3][8][9] The following day, Fernández announced the pending publication of a document on AI which was released on 28 January 2025.[3][8]
Summary
[edit]Antiqua et nova is a 30-page-long document known as a note. The document's name is derived from the first words of the Latin version, which translates into English as "Ancient and new".[3] The document, in 117 paragraphs, addresses challenges and opportunities in AI in the fields of education, economy, work, health, relationships, and war.[2]
The note calls attention to workers becoming "deskilled" and becoming more subject to harsh, repetitive labor and surveillance. It also warns of students failing to develop critical thinking skills, while cautiously noting prudential use of AI can help provide instant critiques.[2] Regarding war, the note declares of "grave ethical concern" are autonomous lethal weapons systems without direct human intervention or control. It also draws attention to environmental concerns about the use of water and energy needed to run the necessary hardware for AI.[2][3] The document expresses serious concerns about deepfakes and false information generated by AI, as well as further privacy issues surrounding surveillance and expressing matters of conscience to chat models.[2] It warns of a technocratic control of society, with large companies exerting significant social and political influence capable of manipulating consciences and democratic process.[3]
The document concludes that artificial intelligence must only be used to complement human intelligence rather than replacing it, as a replacement would enslave humanity and serve as a "substitute for God".[2][3]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Dicastero per la Dottrina della Fede e del Dicastero per la Cultura e l’Educazione (28 January 2025). "Nota "Antiqua et nova" sul rapporto tra intelligenza artificiale e intelligenza umana". press.vatican.va. Holy See Press Office. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Cernuzio, Salvatore (28 January 2025). "New Vatican document examines potential and risks of AI". Vatican News.
- ^ a b c d e f g O'Connell, Gerard (28 January 2025). "New Vatican document on A.I. warns against 'creating a substitute for God'". America Magazine.
- ^ Povoledo, Elisabetta (28 January 2025). "Vatican Warns About the Risks of Artificial Intelligence". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ McLellan, Justin. "AI: Pope expresses concern over 'technocratic' future". USCCB. Catholic News Service. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ Ayers, Emma (25 October 2024). "Pope Francis targets AI in new encyclical". The Washington Times. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ Mares, Courtney (14 January 2025). "A look at Vatican City's new artificial intelligence law". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ a b Pentin, Edward (16 January 2025). "Cardinal Fernández: New AI Document Expected Soon, 'Other Works in Progress'". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ "Antiqua et nova. Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence". www.vatican.va. Holy See. Retrieved 28 January 2025.