Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva, called for artificial intelligence development that prioritizes human dignity over technical capability. Speaking on October 5, 2026, at a conference in Geneva, he emphasized that while technology can aid in solving global hunger, it must remain subservient to moral principles.

The event, titled “Human-Centered AI for Agrifood Systems: From Ethics to Implementation,” was jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Permanent Mission of the Holy See. Archbishop Balestrero argued that the Church does not offer technical fixes for algorithmic challenges but provides essential ethical guidance for their deployment.

“In an age where technology has extended life expectancy… to allow millions to die of hunger is simply a collective failure,” Archbishop Balestrero said during his address.

The remarks followed Pope Leo XIV’s visit to FAO headquarters in October 2025. During that visit, the pontiff highlighted stark statistics regarding global food insecurity: 673 million people go to bed without eating, and 2.3 billion cannot afford a nutritionally adequate diet. These figures underscore the urgency of applying new technologies responsibly.

Archbishop Balestrero referenced Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which calls for a renewed focus on the human person in an era of rapid technological change. He warned against allowing efficiency metrics to overshadow moral obligations toward the vulnerable.

“The ultimate test of ‘intelligent technology’ is not how far its power extends but how faithfully it serves the human person,” Archbishop Balestrero concluded.

The Holy See’s engagement with international bodies like the FAO reflects a broader effort to integrate Catholic social teaching into global policy discussions. By framing AI as a tool for service rather than an end in itself, the Vatican seeks to ensure that advancements in agrifood systems benefit those most affected by hunger and poverty.