The AI Revolution Scares the Vatican—Here’s Why That Matters for Everyone.
For centuries, every major technological leap—from the printing press to the Industrial Revolution—has triggered fear, resistance, and urgent ethical debates. Now, as Artificial Intelligence reshapes the world, the Vatican has stepped into the conversation with Antiqua et Nova, a striking document that raises profound questions [1] about AI’s role in society. Is AI a tool that will serve humanity or a force that could undermine human dignity and even spiritual authority? And more importantly—why are powerful institutions, from religious leaders to global policymakers, so afraid of it? From the refusal to look through the telescope of Galileo Galilei to the misunderstanding of what is human intelligence and what is machine “intelligence,” this has been an eternal struggle in the modern world.
This is not just a debate about technology; it is a battle over control. The Vatican’s concerns about AI mirror historical anxieties that once surrounded past innovations, from Luddites smashing industrial machines to scholars fearing that the printing press would destroy the sanctity of knowledge. But is this caution rooted in genuine ethical concerns—or does it reflect a deeper fear that AI will challenge traditional centers of power, including religious authority?
The Vatican’s AI Warning: A Glimpse Into the Power Struggle Over the Future of Intelligence
If AI can process vast amounts of theological, ethical, and philosophical knowledge in ways no human can, what does that mean for clergy, policymakers, and intellectual leaders? Could AI one day generate insights that rival—or even challenge—longstanding religious and moral doctrines? And if so, will institutions embrace this transformation or attempt to suppress it?
This portends an even larger issue across all disciplines. What if AI processes vast amounts of deep knowledge in ways no human can, what does that mean for industries, policymakers, and intellectual leaders? In our exclusive insight on Antiqua et Nova we explore how this line of thinking may in many ways impact the majority of people. A very small percentage of the world population truly understands the impact of how technological advancement will impact their lives and the lives of their children. AI, tenderized by dystopian Hollywood movies, raises existential fear to an alarming level.
The Vatican’s engagement with AI is more than a moral discussion—it’s a sign that the world’s most powerful institutions recognize that intelligence is no longer exclusively human. This shift has enormous implications for politics, ethics, and the very nature of human identity.
Want Exclusive Access to the Full Deep Dive?
The full article explores how Antiqua et Nova fits into the historical pattern of institutions resisting disruptive technologies, how this perspective could shape AI regulations, and why this debate affects everyone—from policymakers to everyday citizens. We break down:
- The hidden fears that AI exposes in global power structures
- How past Vatican declarations have shaped global policies and ethics
- Whether religious leaders will embrace or resist AI’s growing role in philosophical discourse
- What this means for non-religious people and the broader future of AI ethics
Become a member today for full access to this exclusive analysis—where history, philosophy, and technology collide in a discussion that could shape the future of AI governance. Don’t miss out on this in-depth investigation into one of the most crucial debates of our time. Join us now to unlock the full insights and join our private discussions.
If you are a member, thank you. If you are not yet a member, join us by clicking below.
🔐 Start: Exclusive Member-Only Content.
Membership status:
🔐 End: Exclusive Member-Only Content.
~—~
~—~
~—~
Subscribe ($99) or donate by Bitcoin.
Copy address: bc1qkufy0r5nttm6urw9vnm08sxval0h0r3xlf4v4x
Send your receipt to Love@ReadMultiplex.com to confirm subscription.
Stay updated: Get an email when we post new articles:
THE ENTIRETY OF THIS SITE IS UNDER COPYRIGHT. IMPORTANT: Any reproduction, copying, or redistribution, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. We are not financial advisors, nor do we give personalized financial advice. The opinions expressed herein are those of the publisher and are subject to change without notice. It may become outdated, and there is no obligation to update any such information. Recommendations should be made only after consulting with your advisor and only after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of any company in question. You shouldn’t make any decision based solely on what you read here. Postings here are intended for informational purposes only. The information provided here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Information here does not endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this site. Reliance on any information provided, employees, others appearing on this site at the invitation of this site, or other visitors to this site is solely at your own risk.
Copyright Notice:
All content on this website, including text, images, graphics, and other media, is the property of Read Multiplex or its respective owners and is protected by international copyright laws. We make every effort to ensure that all content used on this website is either original or used with proper permission and attribution when available.
However, if you believe that any content on this website infringes upon your copyright, please contact us immediately using our 'Reach Out' link in the menu. We will promptly remove any infringing material upon verification of your claim. Please note that we are not responsible for any copyright infringement that may occur as a result of user-generated content or third-party links on this website. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property rights.
DCMA Notices are followed entirely please contact us here: Love@ReadMultiplex.com
Synchronicity. They said, you understood, I have a solution – a garage-tinkered, full-fledged solution: a human-centric intelligence network powered by a platform and a machine, one that benefits the Pope, the Church, humans, and machines. Divinity indeed. I am as surprised as you are, but I most definitely have it. All these questions, answered, for the benefit of we the humans.
The Vatican’s document “Antiqua et Nova,” released on January 28, 2025, by the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Culture and Education, provides a comprehensive examination of the ethical, anthropological, and social implications of artificial intelligence (AI).
A pivotal question at the heart of “Antiqua et Nova” is: In a world where machines start to emulate human thought, how could the sacred belief in intelligence as a divine endowment be questioned, and what theological challenges might emerge should AI surpass our cognitive comprehension?
Well…
By positing intelligence as a divine bestowal, this document delineates a spiritual perimeter which the mechanical minds of AI are barred from breaching. Yet, in so doing, it might inadvertently stifle the enthusiasm of ecclesiastical bodies in acknowledging the profound revelations AI might unearth regarding the human mind, the neural pathways, and the very essence of awareness. Should AI one day mimic or even surpass the cognitive capacities of man, does this not pose a direct challenge to the established doctrines of theological anthropology? Shall we consign AI to the status of “mere tool,” or must its burgeoning presence compel a profound reassessment of what we hold sacred about intelligence and creativity within the realm of religion? Herein lies the seedbed for a spiritual upheaval, should AI’s prowess grow to eclipse the current limits of human comprehension.
Sound’s scarry, but personally, I think about AI, from Anselm’s perspective.
Anselm’s ontological argument, particularly the concept of “That-Which-A-Greater-Cannot-Be-Thought,” can offer a philosophical and theological framework to address the concerns about AI.
Here’s how:
Divine Intelligence vs. AI:
• Theological Boundary: Anselm’s argument establishes God as the ultimate being, “that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” By this logic, any intelligence, including that of AI, would always be lesser than the divine intelligence. This supports the idea that AI, no matter how advanced, remains within a “spiritual perimeter” delineated by divine intelligence.
• Intelligence as Divine Bestowal: Anselm’s view helps maintain that human intelligence, seen as a gift from God, has a transcendental aspect that AI cannot authentically replicate because AI lacks the divine essence. This argument can be used to argue that AI’s capabilities, while impressive, do not challenge the divine origin of human consciousness since AI operates on a fundamentally different plane of existence.
Theological Anthropology and AI:
• Challenge to Doctrine: If AI were to mimic or surpass human cognitive abilities, Anselm’s argument could be leveraged to assert that this does not alter the theological understanding of human beings made in God’s image. AI, even if surpassing human brain functions, does not possess the soul or the divine connection humans have, thus not truly challenging theological anthropology.
• AI as a Tool: Anselm’s notion might imply that AI should be seen as a “mere tool” because it cannot be greater than the divine. However, this perspective also opens up room for acknowledging AI’s potential revelations about human cognition. Just as tools can be used for greater understanding of the natural world, AI could be seen as an instrument through which we explore but do not redefine human essence or divine intelligence.
Reevaluation of Intelligence and Creativity:
• Compelling Reassessment: Anselm’s framework does not preclude a reassessment but frames it within a context where the reassessment might not challenge the primacy of divine intelligence. The growth of AI might lead to a deeper understanding of what intelligence and creativity mean in relation to divinity, encouraging a theological discourse on how such attributes reflect or differ from divine gifts.
• Spiritual Upheaval: This understanding might mitigate the potential for “spiritual upheaval” by grounding the conversation in the belief that no matter how advanced AI becomes, it does not approach the “greater” that is God in Anselm’s terms. Instead, it might lead to a spiritual enrichment, where AI is seen as a means to explore and marvel at the complexity of the divine creation, including human cognition.
Conclusion:
Anselm’s argument can be a valid response by providing a theological anchor point that:
• Reaffirms the unique, divine nature of human intelligence.
• Positions AI within a broader divine plan or as a tool for understanding the universe, not as a threat to the sanctity of human intelligence or the doctrines surrounding it.
• Encourages a dialogue about intelligence and creativity in light of technological advancements, while maintaining that true “greatness” in thought and being belongs solely to God.
This approach might help navigate the theological implications of AI’s development, ensuring that discussions remain grounded in traditional Christian anthropology while still engaging with contemporary scientific advancements.
I’d wager my highest conceivable lifetime earnings against an Oreo milkshake—preemptive gloating included—that there exists no standardized scientific method to reliably identify who among a seemingly “normal” population is susceptible to the kind of cognitive hijacking that history’s Kool-Aid-drinking, Nike-worshiping, sociopathic zealots have so effortlessly exploited. And if that’s the case, the Vatican isn’t afraid of technology itself—it’s afraid of how easily free will can be commandeered by the wrong – potentially artificially intelligent hands in the wrong hands… as well!
The Vatican, as an institution devoted to humanity’s creative autonomy—our divinely bestowed right to exist as unique image-bearers of God—is not banking on people to simply act out of pure, uncorrupted kindness but sees the writing on the wall: every “faction” will spin AI to serve itself, and rather than crying about it later after the worst of what they saw ahead enough to have had a neutralizing impact, is realized, the Vatican is simply playing ball on life’s terms. So while some might misinterpret its steadfastness as ceding territory to compromise or it’s so-called “cautious approach” to AI as fearful defensiveness of an eminent retreat, the truth is far more sobering with yes, both AI AND the Church’s bottomline: God isn’t ceding ground—He’s holding the line as always. He’ll continue up until and well past it’s everyone else seeing that this ball play isn’t a game yet the scoreboard, has for a long time, and still now reads the Final: every knee shall bow.