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The Spanish writer Javier Cercas reflects on Pope Leo XIV's Message for the 2026 World Day of Social Communications, discussing the profound implications of AI from a balanced perspective that avoids both naive optimism and apocalyptic fear.
Javier Cercas introduces Pope Leo XIV's Message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, titled 'Preserving Human Voices and Faces,' as a profoundly important text. He emphasizes its relevance not only to Catholics but to all people, regardless of their beliefs, due to its far-reaching political, religious, moral, social, and economic implications. The message provides a crucial framework for understanding and engaging with contemporary technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence.
Cercas critically examines the common pattern of 'apocalyptic forecasts' that accompany major technological shifts, likening current anxieties about Artificial Intelligence to historical fears. He recalls Plato's concerns about writing in 'Phaedrus,' where it was predicted to cause forgetfulness and undermine authentic wisdom, and similar apprehensions surrounding Gutenberg's invention of the printing press, which was feared to devalue knowledge. The author points out that, contrary to these predictions, past innovations led to new forms of culture, suggesting that AI's impact might follow a similar trajectory.
The article asserts that technology, including Artificial Intelligence, is neither inherently good nor evil but is shaped by its human application. Cercas explains Pope Leo XIV's nuanced view, highlighting that the Pope is neither a doomsayer nor an uncritical enthusiast. Leo XIV rejects the notion of AI as an 'omniscient friend' or a 'diabolical instrument,' instead presenting it as a tool whose benefits or harms are entirely dependent on how humanity chooses to wield it. This perspective underscores human accountability in guiding technological development.
Pope Leo XIV's message advocates for proactive engagement with digital innovation, urging guidance rather than cessation. He emphasizes recognizing AI's dual nature – its evident advantages and subtle risks. To transform AI into an ally for societal betterment, the Pope proposes a fundamental triad of values: responsibility for all stakeholders, including creators, politicians, regulators, and journalists; comprehensive cooperation across diverse sectors; and continuous education for all users. This ambitious program is deemed indispensable for shaping AI's role in fostering a more just, equitable, and joyful society.
Concluding the reflection, Cercas considers Pope Leo XIV's leadership, particularly in the context of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The article notes Leo XIV's ability to tackle pressing contemporary issues, such as Artificial Intelligence, with remarkable courage, intellectual clarity, and impartiality. This approach demonstrates the enduring capacity of the Catholic Church to offer valuable guidance and contribute constructively to critical global discussions, proving its continued relevance in the modern world.