The Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN stated on July 13 that the true measure of human progress is whether emerging technologies serve the human person and the common good, rather than the level of technical sophistication. Speaking at a UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) meeting in New York, the delegation warned that artificial intelligence and economic growth must be balanced against the risk of increasing global inequalities.
Did you know? The Vatican’s position on AI aligns with the encyclical Magnifica humanitas, which emphasizes that technology must remain a tool for human dignity rather than a replacement for it.
AI Integration and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
Artificial intelligence has the potential to accelerate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the Holy See delegation. The Vatican suggests that AI can streamline the achievement of targets currently under review, provided the technology does not compromise human dignity.
The delegation argued that efficiency, profitability, and innovation are secondary to the human center of the 2030 Agenda. If AI is used to undermine the person, the Vatican claims it ceases to be an improvement and instead undermines the entire vision of sustainable development.
The Risk of “Efficient” Dehumanization
Addressing Global Inequality and Economic Dysfunction
The Holy See acknowledges that real economic growth has lifted billions out of extreme poverty. However, the delegation told the UN that this growth remains “marked by grave dysfunctions.”
Two primary dysfunctions were identified by the Vatican observers:
- Widening Gaps: Increasing inequality both between different nations and within individual countries.
- New Poverty: The emergence of modern forms of deprivation that traditional economic metrics may overlook.
Pro Tip: To understand “integral liberation,” look beyond GDP. The Vatican defines true development as the freedom from hunger, disease, illiteracy, and deprivation.
The Three Pillars of Integral Human Development
According to the Holy See’s statement, achieving the 2030 goals requires a multi-dimensional approach. The delegation outlined three specific requirements for global progress:
Economic Participation: The Vatican calls for “equitable participation in global processes.” This means moving away from extractive economic models toward a system where developing nations have a fair share in global trade and decision-making.
Social Solidarity: Progress depends on building societies based on solidarity rather than competition. This involves creating safety nets that protect the “inviolable dignity” of every person.
Political Stability: The delegation emphasized that peace and freedom are only guaranteed by strengthening democratic institutions.
Comparing Economic Growth vs. Human Development
| Metric | Traditional Economic Growth | Vatican “Common Good” Model |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | GDP Increase / Profitability | Integral Liberation of Peoples |
| Tech Value | Efficiency and Innovation | Service to the Human Person |
| Success Indicator | Market Expansion | Reduction of Inequality |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Holy See’s view on AI?
The Holy See believes AI can accelerate the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, but only if it serves the human person and does not compromise human dignity.
Why is economic growth described as “dysfunctional”?
According to the Vatican delegation, while growth has reduced extreme poverty, it has simultaneously increased inequalities between and within nations.
What is “integral liberation”?
It is the goal of freeing all people from hunger, disease, illiteracy, and other basic privations through economic, social, and political means.
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