Religious and Priestly Formation in an Artificial Intelligence Landscape: Critical Perspectives

Abstract

The flourishing presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary society presents a complex challenge, sparking vigorous public debate and concern. The influence of AI transcends the broader societal context, reaching the very institutions that nurture future Church leaders: formation houses for priests and religious. The continuous exposure of formees to the complexities of AI necessitates a critical analysis of its potential influence on their formation journey. This paper employs the framework of human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation outlined in the post-synodal apostolic exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis as a lens to critically analyse the impact of AI on religious and priestly formation. The article critically analyses the influence of AI on each formation aspect, addressing ethical concerns, spiritual distractions, intellectual pitfalls, and potential pastoral passivity. The urgency to reinforce the current formation paradigm is emphasised, calling for comprehensive guidelines to navigate the widespread influence of AI while preserving core values.