By: Ade Phillips
The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday called for the regulations of the use of artificial intelligence to enhance human sustainability.
Pope made the call at a Mass to celebrate the 2024 new year, which is the 57 edition of World Day of Peace and to celebrate Holy Mary who doubles as the Queen of Peace, with theme of the Papal message was ‘Artificial intelligence and Peace’.
The message was disseminated to the faithful, by the Lagos Catholic Archbishop, Most. Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, while celebrating the Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral Lagos.
The pontiff noted that the regulations for use of AI would curb its wrong use capable of destroying humanity race for sustainability
Pope stressed that the season of the new year was a time of grace which the Lord gives everyone.
He said, “I would like to address God’s people, the various nation’s, heads of states and government, leaders of the different religions, the civil society and all the men and women of our time, in order to offer my fervent good wishes for peace.”
The 86-year-old Argentine urged the leaders, as matter of urgency, take action on the use of AI, stating that the scriptures showed that God gave his spirit upon human beings so that they might have skills and understanding.
He said that human intelligence is an outflow of the nobility with which individuals have been blessed by the maker
He said when people with the guide of innovation try to make the earth a home deserving of the entire humankind, that they do God’s arrangement.
“Conversely, if advancement in science and technology is making it possible to exercise hitherto unprecedented control over reality it places in human hands a vast array of options including some that may pose risks to humanity.
“The uncontrolled use of artificial intelligence is capable of destabilising the world in every facet.
“With the regulation of its use AI will promote humanity, peace, commerce, agriculture and curtail wars in the society.
“While its abuse will endanger peace, commerce, agriculture and engulf the world,” he said.
The cleric stressed that, artificial intelligence should be understood as a galaxy of different realities, saying “We cannot presume a priori that its development will make a beneficial contribution to the future of humanity and peace among peoples.
“That positive outcome will only be achieved if we show ourselves capable of acting responsibly and respect such fundamental human values as “inclusion, transparency, security, equity, privacy and reliability.
He expressed hope that the message would further reinvigorate efforts to ensure that progress in developing forms of AI would serve the course of human fraternity and peace.
He noted that it is not the responsibility of a few but of the entire human family to regulate its use.
He regarded peace as the fruit of a relationship that recognises and welcomes others in their inalienable dignity and of cooperation and commitment in seeking the integral development of all individuals and peoples.
While praying, at the start of the new year, he said the accelerated development concerning the use of AI would not increase cases of inequality and injustice that were a lot of the contemporary world.
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