A panel of Catholic technology leaders gathered recently to discuss how faith-based principles can guide the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The discussion centered on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which was released on May 25 and emphasizes the dignity of the human person in an increasingly digital world.
Montse Alvarado, president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, hosted the September 9 special titled “Beyond Fear: A Catholic Vision for Artificial Intelligence.” The program featured executives from various sectors of the tech industry who argued that innovation must be tempered by firm ethical boundaries and human-centered leadership.
Balancing Innovation with Human Dignity
Joel Chakra, president of the Tim Tebow Foundation and a venture capitalist in AI technology companies, highlighted the potential for good in rapid technological advancement. He noted that exponential innovation can help reach vulnerable populations more quickly.
“There’s a good side to that exponential innovation because it helps us get to the most vulnerable people faster,” Chakra told the EWTN News.
Arthur C. Brooks, an American author and academic who wrote the foreword to Magnifica Humanitas, offered a perspective on the challenges of displacement caused by automation. He appeared previously on “EWTN News in Depth” on April 10, 2026, to discuss these themes.
“I do realize that thereʼs displacement. I do realize that thereʼs a lot to be concerned about. But I also know that humans are unbelievably ingenious that the Lord made us to solve problems,” Brooks said.
Faith in the Workplace
Vic Gundotra, a former senior vice president at Google and a Catholic convert raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, joined the conversation. His background illustrates the intersection of high-level corporate experience and religious commitment.
Sara Anderson, who works for Pushpay—a digital-giving and church-management platform—described how her team utilizes AI to streamline parish administration. She and Chakra both encouraged individuals of faith to seek leadership positions within the technology sector, arguing that moral clarity is needed in boardrooms and development labs alike.
The special reflects a growing effort within the Church to engage directly with technological trends rather than retreat from them. By bringing together industry veterans and theological experts, EWTN News aimed to provide a framework for Catholics working in tech to navigate complex ethical questions.