Click Here Mic Drop: AI’s unexpected Roman holiday
Apr 11, 2025
Heather Mellquist Lehto, an anthropologist advising the Vatican on AI ethics, dives into the intersection of technology and religion. She discusses how the Catholic Church historically influences the moral landscape surrounding emerging technologies. The conversation highlights Pope Francis’s Rome Call for AI Ethics, aiming for human welfare amid the AI revolution. Heather also tackles the challenges of AI regulation, the societal implications of rising tech powers, and the need for ethical guidance in an increasingly complex world.
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Vatican and AI Ethics
- Heather Mellquist-Lehto, an anthropologist, studies the relationship between faith and innovation.
- She focuses on the Vatican's perspective on AI's ethical implications.
Vatican's Stance on Nuclear Weapons
- The Vatican has a history of addressing technological advancements.
- They notably spoke out against nuclear weapons in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Rome Call for AI Ethics
- Pope Francis proactively launched the Rome Call for AI Ethics in 2020.
- This initiative aimed to establish shared principles for AI development and implementation.