The Interstate Commission on Artificial Intelligence meets for the first time at the San Callisto Palace. This committee is dedicated to fostering cooperation between the various Pontifical institutions involved in the research, consideration and use of artificial intelligence.
The inaugural meeting of the Interstate Commission on Artificial Intelligence (ICAI) was held to mark the inauguration of a new body created to foster coordination and cooperation between the various bodies of the Holy See involved in the research, consideration and use of artificial intelligence.
The conference, held at the San Callisto Palace, brought together representatives from the Pontifical Academy of Faith, Culture and Education, Communication, and Promotion of Integral Human Development, as well as the Pontifical Academy of Life, the Academy of Sciences, and the Academy of Social Sciences, with the aim of sharing ongoing efforts, identifying common priorities, and defining the first steps in the process to advance the vision of AI in the service of human dignity, the common good, and society. mission of the church.
The Department for the Promotion of Integrated Human Development is tasked with coordinating the Committee during its first year of operation.
IIIn his opening remarks, Cardinal Michael Czerny, Secretary of State of South Carolina, highlighted four particularly important aspects of current developments in artificial intelligence: the unprecedented pace of evolution, the impact on human dignity, the growing dialogue between the Church and the technology sector, and the strong resonance generated by the encyclical. Magnifica Humanitas.
Particular attention was paid to the need for careful foresight in addressing this phenomenon, which, while offering great opportunities, also raises increasingly significant ethical, social, cultural and environmental challenges. Risks and challenges.
Participating institutions presented activities and reflections on artificial intelligence and noted research and initiatives focused on the scientific, social, ethical, and educational implications of the technology. The meeting also recalled the path started through the AI Ethics Council and the Rome Call for AI Ethics, as well as the Pope’s message on the relationship between artificial intelligence and peace on World Day of Peace 2024.
Coordination, formation, dialogue
As for the role of the new committee. Broad consensus emerged about the need for the two services. On the one hand, it is to promote internal coordination, information sharing, and consideration of the use of AI within the institutions of the Holy See. On the other hand, it provides a reference point to identify and support the many initiatives being pursued in this area.
Open dialogue is important, not only with the Episcopal Conference, but also with the academic, scientific and business communities. Ecclesiastical reflection must remain engaged with the transformations taking place in society. In this context, a dedicated website could be considered. It helps share initiatives and promote information circulation.
next step
The committee will proceed by defining how to proceed in stages. First steps could include mapping existing efforts, collecting themes identified by different actors, and developing guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence within the Holy See.
Participants appreciated this first meeting of the Interstate Commission on Artificial Intelligence. This was appreciated not only for the interesting overviews shared of past efforts and current goals, but also for the experiences shared between the various entities represented and foreseeing the benefits of coordination. The meeting was based on the spirit of both parties. Pradicate Evangelium and Magnifica Humanitas. The committee is scheduled to meet again in mid-July.
