Source: Axios
The Catholic Church is inserting itself into AI governance conversations by weaponizing its moral authority at a moment when Silicon Valley and national governments have largely failed to establish enforceable ethical frameworks. By framing AI regulation through Catholic social teaching and papal authority rather than technical standards or legislation, the Vatican is creating a parallel institutional track that could influence how billions of Catholics—and their governments—approach AI deployment in healthcare, education, and media. Tech companies want self-regulation, governments want national control, and the Church wants a seat at the table by offering something neither can claim: a centuries-old institution with explicit moral doctrine.