ANTIQUA ET NOVA

 

Vatican document examines potential 

and risks of AI

In a Note on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence, the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Culture and Education highlight the potential and the challenges of artificial intelligence in the areas of education, the economy, labour, health, human and international relations, and war.

 By Salvatore Cernuzio

 The Pope’s warnings about Artificial Intelligence in recent years provide the outline for “Antiqua et Nova,” the “Note on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence,” that offers the results of a mutual reflection between the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education. The new document is addressed especially to “those entrusted with transmitting the faith,” but also to “those who share the conviction that scientific and technological advances should be directed toward serving the human person and the common good” [5].

In 117 paragraphs, “Antiqua et Nova” highlights challenges and opportunities of the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fields of education, economy, work, health, relationships, and warfare. In the latter sphere, for instance, the document warns of the AI’s potential to increase “the instruments of war well beyond the scope of human oversight and precipitating a destabilizing arms race, with catastrophic consequences for human rights” [99].

Dangers and progress

Specifically, the document lists not only the risks but also the progress associated with AI, which it encourages as “part of the collaboration of man and woman with God” [2]. However, it does not avoid the concerns that come with all innovations, whose effects are still unpredictable.

Distinguishing between AI and human intelligence

Several paragraphs of the Note are devoted to the distinction between AI and human intelligence. Quoting Pope Francis, the document affirms that “the very use of the word ‘intelligence’ in connection to AI ‘can prove misleading’… in light of this, AI should not be seen as an artificial form of human intelligence, but as a product of it” [35]. “Like any product of human ingenuity, AI can also be directed toward positive or negative ends” [40]. “AI ‘could introduce important innovations’” [48] but it also risks aggravating situations of discrimination, poverty, “digital divide,” and social inequalities [52]. “the concentration of the power over mainstream AI applications in the hands of a few powerful companies raises significant ethical concerns,” including “the risk that AI could be manipulated for personal or corporate gain or to direct public opinion for the benefit of a specific industry” [53].

War

With reference to war, “Antiqua et Nova” stresses that autonomous and lethal weapons systems capable of “identifying and striking targets without direct human intervention are a “cause for grave ethical concern” [100]. It notes that Pope Francis has called for their use to be banned since they pose “an ‘existential risk’ by having the potential to act in ways that could threaten the survival of entire regions or even of humanity itself” [101]. “This danger demands serious attention,” the document says, “reflecting the long-standing concern about technologies that grant war ‘an uncontrollable destructive power over great numbers of innocent civilians,’ without even sparing children” [101].

Human relations

On human relations, the document notes that AI can lead to “harmful isolation” [58], that “anthropomorphizing AI” poses problems for children's growth [60] and that misrepresenting AI as a person is “a grave ethical violation” if this is done “for fraudulent purposes.” Similarly, “using AI to deceive in other contexts—such as education or in human relationships, including the sphere of sexuality—is also to be considered immoral and requires careful oversight” [62].

Economy and labour

The same vigilance is called for in the economic-financial sphere. “Antiqua et Nova” notes that, especially in the field of labour, “while AI promises to boost productivity… current approaches to the technology can paradoxically deskill workers, subject them to automated surveillance, and relegate them to rigid and repetitive tasks” [67].

Health

The Note also dedicates ample space to the issue of healthcare. Recalling the “immense potential” in various applications in the medical field, it warns that if AI were to replace the doctor-patient relationship, it would risk “worsening the loneliness that often accompanies illness” [73]. It also warns that “the integration of AI into healthcare also poses the risk of amplifying other existing disparities in access to medical care,” with the risk of “reinforcing a ‘medicine for the rich’ model, where those with financial means benefit from advanced preventative tools and personalized health information while others struggle to access even basic services” [76].

Education

In the field of education, “Antiqua et Nova” notes that “AI presents both opportunities and challenges.” If used prudently, AI can improve access to education and offer “immediate feedback” to students [80]. One problem is that many programmes “merely provide answers instead of prompting students to arrive at answers themselves or write text for themselves”; which can lead to a failure to develop critical thinking skills [82]. The note also warns of the “biased or fabricated information” and “fake news” some programmes can generate [84].

Fake News and Deepfakes

On the subject of fake news, the document warns of the serious risk of AI “generating manipulated content and false information” [85], which becomes worse when it is spread with the aim of deceiving or causing harm [87]. “Antiqua et Nova” insists that “Those who produce and share AI-generated content should always exercise diligence in verifying the truth of what they disseminate and, in all cases, should ‘avoid the sharing of words and images that are degrading of human beings, that promote hatred and intolerance, that debase the goodness and intimacy of human sexuality or that exploit the weak and vulnerable’” [89].

Privacy and control

On privacy and control, the Note points out that some types of data can go so far as to touch “upon the individual’s interiority, perhaps even their conscience” [90], with the danger of everything becoming “a kind of spectacle to be examined and inspected” [92]. Digital surveillance “can also be misused to exert control over the lives of believers and how they express their faith” [90].

Common home

On the topic of the care of creation, “Antiqua et Nova” says, “AI has many promising applications for improving our relationship with our ‘common home’” [95]. “At the same time, current AI models and the hardware required to support them consume vast amounts of energy and water, significantly contributing to CO2 emissions and straining resources” [96]

The relationship with God

Finally, the Note warns against the risk of humanity becoming “enslaved to its own work” [105]. Artificial intelligence, “Antiqua et Nova” insists, “should be used only as a tool to complement human intelligence rather than replace its richness” [112].

 

DICASTERO PER LA DOTTRINA DELLA FEDE - DICASTERO PER LA CULTURA E L'EDUCAZIONE

 ANTIQUA ET NOVA

Nota sul rapporto tra intelligenza artificiale e intelligenza umana

Note on the Relationship Between
Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence

 [DE - EN - ES - FR - IT]

 

Vatican News

PHILIPPINES - COMMON GOOD

  

en- fr- 

 Politics and the Pursuit of 

the Common Good

Our class discussion on September 20, 2025 explored the current issues related to politics and governance. We reflected on the principles that should guide leadership and policy. Conversely, we also discussed the realities that often complicate these principles. In this paper, I would like to integrate insights from our recent discussions, Giovanni Perrone’s reflections on education and leadership, and our shared observations on the current political landscape especially in the Philippines.

For me, leadership should not be measured by speeches or promises, but by tangible results that benefit the people. Recent political issues in the Philippines forced us to ask: do actions really align with our national values and goals? This kind of alignment could narrow the painful gap between promises and results.

When we turned to political systems, our discussion on decentralization offered valuable insights. The examples of BARMM and CAR in the Philippines show that even with devolved powers, governance is still a constant balancing act with the national government. Both regions highlight the lesson that a nation should hold on to a shared identity while still allowing its regions to govern in ways that reflect their unique needs. Aside from local connections, the presence of international observers in Philippine politics shows how connected it is to global relationships and shared democratic values.

Moreover, our conversation on the “eminent disaster” bill is important. Giving the president the power to declare such a state is necessary in times of crisis, but it also carries risks of abuse. If misused to suppress dissent, it could undermine democracy itself. This raised an ethical question that connects back to St. Thomas’ idea of prudence that is the virtue of thinking carefully before acting, and ensuring decisions are rooted in truth and justice. For politics to truly serve the people, it must be anchored in this virtue.

In the end, our discussions left me with three strong convictions. First, leadership is not about holding power but about using it wisely with prudence and a clear focus on the common good. Second, governance must be honest, evidence-based, and grounded in data. Lastly, true leaders rise above personal or cultural loyalties to serve the broader community. The pursuit of the national common good is a lifelong journey.

Giovanni Perrone’s reflections on education and leadership as keys to good governance deeply resonate with these reflections. His emphasis on leadership as a service rooted in values, foresight, and responsibility aligns with the ethical standards a leader should carry. As a PhD student in Development Studies, I am reminded that education is not just the transmission of knowledge but a transformative journey. Perrone’s call to rediscover joy and the virtue of hope challenges me to approach governance as a technical and moral endeavor. Whether crafting policy or building theory, our task is to serve the common good with compassion and a deep sense of purpose.

 Learning Paper No. 6 - Sto Tomas University Manila - Philippines

Politique et recherche du bien commun

Notre discussion en classe du 20 septembre 2025 a exploré les enjeux actuels liés à la politique et à la gouvernance. Nous avons réfléchi aux principes qui devraient guider le leadership et les politiques. Inversement, nous avons également abordé les réalités qui complexifient souvent ces principes. Dans cet article, je souhaite intégrer les enseignements tirés de nos discussions récentes, les réflexions de Giovanni Perrone sur l'éducation et le leadership, ainsi que nos observations partagées sur le paysage politique actuel, notamment aux Philippines.

Pour moi, le leadership ne doit pas se mesurer à des discours ou des promesses, mais à des résultats tangibles qui profitent à la population. Les récents enjeux politiques aux Philippines nous ont amenés à nous demander : les actions sont-elles réellement en phase avec nos valeurs et nos objectifs nationaux ? Un tel alignement pourrait réduire l'écart douloureux entre promesses et résultats.

En ce qui concerne les systèmes politiques, notre discussion sur la décentralisation a apporté des éclairages précieux. Les exemples de la BARMM et de la CAR aux Philippines montrent que, même avec des pouvoirs décentralisés, la gouvernance reste un exercice d'équilibre permanent avec le gouvernement national. Les deux régions illustrent la leçon selon laquelle une nation doit préserver une identité commune tout en permettant à ses régions de gouverner selon des modalités qui reflètent leurs besoins spécifiques. Au-delà des liens locaux, la présence d'observateurs internationaux dans la politique philippine témoigne de son ancrage dans les relations internationales et les valeurs démocratiques communes.

Par ailleurs, notre discussion sur le projet de loi sur les « catastrophes imminentes » est importante. Donner au président le pouvoir de proclamer un tel État est nécessaire en temps de crise, mais comporte également des risques d'abus. Utilisé à mauvais escient pour réprimer la dissidence, il pourrait saper la démocratie elle-même. Cela a soulevé une question éthique qui renvoie à la notion de prudence de Saint Thomas, à savoir la vertu de réfléchir attentivement avant d'agir et de s'assurer que les décisions sont fondées sur la vérité et la justice. Pour que la politique serve véritablement le peuple, elle doit être ancrée dans cette vertu.

En fin de compte, nos discussions m'ont permis de dégager trois convictions fortes. Premièrement, le leadership ne consiste pas à détenir le pouvoir, mais à l'utiliser à bon escient, avec prudence et en se concentrant clairement sur le bien commun. Deuxièmement, la gouvernance doit être honnête, fondée sur des preuves et des données. Enfin, les véritables leaders transcendent les loyautés personnelles ou culturelles pour servir la communauté au sens large. La quête du bien commun national est un cheminement de toute une vie.

Les réflexions de Giovanni Perrone sur l'éducation et le leadership, clés d'une bonne gouvernance, résonnent profondément avec ces réflexions. Son insistance sur le leadership comme un service ancré dans les valeurs, la prévoyance et la responsabilité s'inscrit dans le droit fil des normes éthiques que tout leader devrait porter. En tant que doctorant en études du développement, je me rappelle que l'éducation n'est pas seulement la transmission de connaissances, mais un cheminement transformateur. L'appel de Perrone à redécouvrir la joie et la vertu de l'espoir m'incite à aborder la gouvernance comme une démarche technique et morale. Qu'il s'agisse d'élaborer des politiques ou de construire des théories, notre tâche est de servir le bien commun avec compassion et un profond sens du devoir.

Document d'apprentissage n° 6

 

UN ARC EN CIEL - A RAINBOW

 COMUNITA’ – UN ARCOBALENO DI COLORI E DI DONI

COMMUNAUTÉ – UN ARC-EN-CIEL DE COULEURS ET DE CADEAUX

COMMUNITY – A RAINBOW OF COLORS AND GIFTS

COMUNIDAD – UN ARCOÍRIS DE COLORES Y REGALOS

Ogni persona porta in sé talenti, capacità e qualità che la rendono irripetibile. Quando riconosciamo e valorizziamo i doni degli altri, contribuiamo a far emergere il meglio di loro e, allo stesso tempo, arricchiamo noi stessi e la comunità che ci circonda. Non si tratta solo di ammirare capacità straordinarie, ma anche di rendersi conto e di essere grati per i gesti semplici, le virtù discrete e il modo unico in cui ogni persona contribuisce al bene di tutti. C'è chi illumina con le parole, chi costruisce con le mani, chi guarisce con le cure, chi ispira con il suo esempio silenzioso. E quando il dono di uno incontra il dono di un altro, nasce un'armonia che riflette l'amore di Dio, che ha saggiamente distribuito doni diversi a ciascuno dei suoi figli. Così, invece di paragonare o competere, impariamo ad ammirare, ringraziare e condividere. (Apolonio Carvalho Nascimento)

Each person possesses talents, abilities, and qualities that make them unique. When we recognize and value the gifts of others, we help bring out the best in them and, at the same time, enrich ourselves and the community around us. It's not just about admiring extraordinary abilities, but also about realizing and being grateful for the simple gestures, the discreet virtues, and the unique way each person contributes to the good of all. There are those who enlighten with words, those who build with their hands, those who heal with care, those who inspire with their silent example. And when the gift of one encounter the gift of another, a harmony is born that reflects the love of God, who has wisely distributed different gifts to each of his children. Thus, instead of comparing or competing, we learn to admire, give thanks, and share. (Apolonio Carvalho Nascimento)

Cada persona posee talentos, habilidades y cualidades que la hacen única. Cuando reconocemos y valoramos los dones de los demás, contribuimos a que saquen lo mejor de sí mismos y, al mismo tiempo, nos enriquecemos a nosotros mismos y a la comunidad que nos rodea. No se trata solo de admirar habilidades extraordinarias, sino también de reconocer y agradecer los gestos sencillos, las virtudes discretas y la forma única en que cada persona contribuye al bien común. Hay quienes iluminan con palabras, quienes construyen con sus manos, quienes sanan con cariño, quienes inspiran con su ejemplo silencioso. Y cuando el don de uno se encuentra con el don de otro, nace una armonía que refleja el amor de Dios, quien ha distribuido sabiamente dones diferentes a cada uno de sus hijos. Así, en lugar de comparar o competir, aprendemos a admirar, agradecer y compartir. (Apolonio Carvalho Nascimento)

Chaque personne possède des talents, des capacités et des qualités qui la rendent unique. Reconnaître et valoriser les dons d'autrui contribue à révéler le meilleur d'elle-même et, par là même, à enrichir notre personne et la communauté qui nous entoure. Il ne s'agit pas seulement d'admirer des talents extraordinaires, mais aussi de reconnaître et d'être reconnaissant pour les gestes simples, les vertus discrètes et la façon unique dont chacun contribue au bien commun. Il y a ceux qui éclairent par la parole, ceux qui construisent de leurs mains, ceux qui soignent avec soin, ceux qui inspirent par leur exemple silencieux. Et lorsque le don de l'un rencontre celui de l'autre, une harmonie naît, reflet de l'amour de Dieu, qui a sagement distribué des dons différents à chacun de ses enfants. Ainsi, au lieu de comparer ou de rivaliser, nous apprenons à admirer, à remercier et à partager. (Apolonio Carvalho Nascimento)

LOQUERISNE LATINE?

Latin is a comical and ignorant polarization.

It is the language of European civilization, untouched by any form of exclusivity."

This is what Matteo Maria Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, writes in the preface to Francesco Lepore's latest book (Castelvecchi Editions), titled "Beauty Ancient and Ever New. Latin in Today's World."

by F. Q.

From maxims and phrases bandied about by ministers in the Chamber to words used in everyday conversations: Latin, a subject of contention for its return to school curricula, still plays a crucial role in fully understanding the Italian language and European cultural identity. Francesco Lepore analyzes its use, diffusion, and relevance in his latest book, "Beauty Ancient and Ever New. Latin in Today's World" (Castelvecchi Editions). Because "we make much more of this language," writes the journalist and writer, "the undeniable mother of Italian" than we think. A language of over two thousand years of civilization, it has shaped our idea of ​​the individual, the community, and the law. But Latin is also a surprising key to understanding the present. The text, which features a preface by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, explains how the ancient language continues to speak to us and fascinate us. It is followed by fifty short articles—the commentatiunculae—taken from the daily column "O tempora, o mores," which the author edits in Latin for the online newspaper Linkiesta. Current events, from Trump to Sanremo, from Bolsonaro to the European Championships, are told with parallel text in a Latin that remains accessible and captures our world. Ilfattoquotidiano.it publishes Zuppi's preface and an excerpt from the volume.

***

Preface by Matteo Maria Zuppi

Never before has Latin returned to the center of public debate like in 2025, following the announced reintroduction of the subject in middle schools. I belong to the generation that began studying it in middle school, before it was abolished in 1977, trained, moreover, by a mother who was a Latin teacher and had left her teaching post to devote herself to her children's classrooms! The former rector of the University of Bologna, Ivano Dionigi, warned against turning it into "an identity flag" or "an ideological issue." This is what Francesco Lepore explains in this book on Latin in today's world. In the first part of the work, the author, who owes his love for the language of ancient Rome to his father, a student of Francesco Arnaldi, clears up any misunderstanding. In the fearful, sometimes comical, and certainly ignorant, widespread polarization, Latin is no one's prerogative. It is a richness and a common good, the means to better understand Italian and other European languages, the language of two thousand years of European civilization. As a whole, and therefore not just classical Latin, Latin has played a fundamental role in building Europe's identity.

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