The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced Oct. 16 a new task force focused on artificial intelligence and its effects on human dignity.

The Task Force on Preserving Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence follows September discussions between bishops, artificial-intelligence experts and technology executives. Bishop Oscar Cantù will lead the group, which includes eight bishops and three academic consultants.

The bishops serving on the task force are Cantù; Cardinal Blase J. Cupich; Archbishop Paul D. Etienne; Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre; Bishop Barry C. Knestout; Auxiliary Bishop James Massa; Bishop Michael F. Olson; and Auxiliary Bishop Slawomir Szkredka.

The academic consultants are Charles Camosy, Kim Daniels and Meghan Sullivan.

Areas of attention

The task force will address artificial intelligence in education, communications, employment, healthcare, evangelization and governance. It will also consider the protection of children and other vulnerable people.

Its work will promote policies and practices concerning human dignity, religious liberty, democratic institutions, workers and families. The group will continue discussions with frontier laboratories, research organizations, academic centers and other stakeholders across the United States.

The task force was created in response to Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. Its stated emphasis is that artificial intelligence must remain ordered toward human dignity and the common good.

Bishop Michael Olson said the Church brings a distinct perspective to the discussion. “The Church enters the conversation on this issue as a teacher rather than a customer,” he said.

The Diocese of Fort Worth had adopted artificial-intelligence policies for clergy and staff before the encyclical was released.

Olson said the technology should support, rather than displace, human judgment. “AI must remain a tool in human hands,” he said, adding that it must not replace judgment “least of all in the care of souls.”

Bishop Barry C. Knestout issued a statement Oct. 19.