Franciscan Friar Paolo Benanti, formerly a leading advisor to Pope Francis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ethics and regularly advises Giorgia Meloni, exchanges bartender aprons and brown robes at Roman pubs and pulls pints to raise money for local charities supporting vulnerable communities. A versatile god man brews his IPA in his spare time.
All of this event, which is said to be Franciscan humility and the Church's projecting modern faces, is part of his unique journey from engineering to theology and his impact on Pope Francis's priorities, the Vatican's approach to AI.
Benanti, a professor at the University of Pontifical Gregorio, shaping global AI ethics through initiatives like Roma Calle's AI ethics, highlighting human-centered technology. Pope Francis, who was deeply concerned about the impact of AI on society's margins, relies on voices like Benanti to defend governance that prevents exploitation, such as biased algorithms that affect mortgages and asylum bidding, ensuring that AI serves the common interest. “The Pope is worried about AI's growing inequality,” Benanti told the press, giving examples of work displacement and disinformation.
Hosted at a historic Roman tavern, the pint purring event demonstrates Benanti's belief that it fosters ethical debate in everyday life. “Technology is not quarantined, it has to be quarantined,” he said.
Proceeds from beer provided by monks help local shelters. His presence behind the bar aims to spark conversations about the role of AI in promoting dignity and justice.
