On AI, bishop-elect is not all doom and gloom
“[E]ven though there are risks," says Bishop-elect Stephen Wang in an exclusive interview with Crux Now, "I don’t think we should opt out of using AI in the Church."
“[E]ven though there are risks," says Bishop-elect Stephen Wang in an exclusive interview with Crux Now, "I don’t think we should opt out of using AI
Read Full Story at Crux Now →Why This Matters
The bishop-elect’s stance reflects a critical moment in the Catholic Church’s engagement with technological modernity, where ethical caution must coexist with adaptive leadership. His refusal to dismiss AI outright signals a pragmatic approach that could shape how religious institutions navigate digital transformation without sacrificing core values. This positions the Church as a nuanced voice in global debates about AI governance, particularly as secular institutions grapple with similar dilemmas.
Background Context
The Catholic Church has historically been both a defender of tradition and an adopter of innovation, from the printing press to satellite broadcasts. Yet its relationship with emerging technologies like AI remains fraught with theological and ethical concerns, including fears of dehumanization and loss of moral authority. Recent scandals in data ethics and surveillance have only deepened skepticism, making Wang’s perspective a rare counterpoint to outright rejection.
What Happens Next
If Wang’s views gain traction, the Church could pioneer frameworks for AI use that prioritize human dignity over efficiency, potentially influencing policymakers and other religious bodies. Questions remain about how such principles would translate into practice—will AI be used for pastoral outreach, administrative streamlining, or something more transformative? The Vatican’s silence so far suggests internal divisions that may soon demand resolution.
Bigger Picture
Wang’s remarks align with a growing trend of institutions—religious or otherwise—seeking to harness AI while mitigating its risks, rather than retreating from it entirely. This mirrors broader societal shifts toward "responsible innovation," where the focus is less on technological determinism and more on ethical guardrails. The Church’s role here could set a precedent for balancing innovation with moral imperatives in the digital age.
