Verghese V Joseph –
Vatican City, June 14, 2024 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Borgo Egnazia, Italy on Friday and invited him to visit India. Modi expressed his admiration for the Pope’s commitment to serving people and making the planet a better place.
The Pope accepted the invitation, and the two leaders discussed various issues, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on humanity. The meeting between Pope Francis and PM Modi underscores the growing importance of international cooperation and dialogue on global issues.
India has been invited to the G7 Summit as an Outreach country, marking PM Modi’s first overseas visit since taking oath for the third straight term.
Modi greeted Pope Francis with a warm embrace and was seen in a light-hearted exchange with the 87-year-old head of the worldwide Catholic Church, who was taken around the table in a wheelchair to greet each of the world leaders gathered at the summit venue of Borgo Egnazia.
The Pope participated in the joint session of the G7 work and delivered a speech, which was followed by other interventions. After the official photo of all participants, Pope Francis held bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including PM Modi.
Pope Francis, who arrived at the Borgo Egnazia sports field at 12:10 pm, was welcomed by the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni. He then moved to the reserved residence for bilateral talks with several world leaders, including the Director General of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, and the Presidents of Ukraine, France, and Canada.
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in the development and use of artificial intelligence, highlighting the need for a “healthy politics” that prioritizes the common good and ensures that AI is used to promote human well-being and dignity. He also emphasized the importance of human control over AI systems, particularly in situations where the technology is used to make life-or-death decisions.
During his address, Pope Francis emphasized the need for ethical considerations in the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Pope’s speech highlighted the potential benefits and risks associated with AI and underscored the importance of ensuring that these technologies are used in a way that respects human dignity and promotes the common good.
The Pope began by noting that AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of human life, from medicine to education, and from culture to communication. However, he also warned that the technology can be used to reinforce dominant cultural and economic structures, potentially leading to increased inequality and injustice.
Pope Francis emphasized that AI is not a neutral tool and that its development and use must be guided by ethical principles. He called for the creation of a “healthy politics” that prioritizes the common good and ensures that AI is used to promote human well-being and dignity.
The Pope also emphasized the importance of human control over AI systems, particularly in situations where the technology is used to make life-or-death decisions. He urged policymakers to ensure that AI systems are designed and used in a way that respects human dignity and does not perpetuate biases or prejudices.
In his address, the Pope also referenced the concept of “algorethics,” which he has previously discussed as a framework for ethical moderation of AI algorithms. He encouraged the development of shared principles and values that can guide the use of AI and promote a culture of encounter and cooperation.
The Pope’s speech at the G7 Summit comes amid growing concerns about the impact of AI on society and the need for ethical considerations in its development and use. His emphasis on the importance of human dignity and the need for ethical principles in AI development is likely to resonate with policymakers and technologists around the world.
The Pope should have spoken about the on going wars in Ukraine, Gaza, displacement of millions of people due to violence, persecution of Christians worldwide etc.
Firstly, PM’s outreach and warm embrace miles away in Italy was very much required at home in Manipur.
Secondly, the Pope was invited to specifically speak on the Catholic Church’s view on Artificial Intelligence (AI).