The Vatican’s recent document on artificial intelligence, titled Antiqua et Nova, serves more as a philosophical reminder than a technical guide. It urges reflection on fundamental questions regarding the nature of intelligence and the kinds of individuals we must aspire to be as we engage with powerful new tools. Pope Leo XIV has lauded AI as an “exceptional product of human genius,” yet he has cautioned against the ease of access to information, which can masquerade as genuine understanding. This concern resonates particularly with the younger generation, whose intellectual and moral development risks stagnation if they rely on machines to do their thinking for them.
Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the “Godfather of AI,” echoes similar apprehensions. He warns that the potential hazards of AI have shifted from the realm of science fiction into our reality. AI’s capacity to surpass human capabilities in ways that may not serve humanity’s best interests poses real challenges. Speed is not the same as insight; AI may excel at pattern recognition, but it lacks the deeper judgment that characterizes human wisdom.
At the heart of the issue lies a timeless question: What truly is intelligence, and how is it formed? The distinction between mere knowledge and genuine wisdom is critical. Knowledge, as defined through historical lenses, involves grasping the essence of a thing, understanding its purpose, and cultivating practical wisdom—what Aristotle termed phronesis. By that standard, AI remains devoid of the human-like intelligence we possess. It may manipulate vast amounts of data at remarkable speeds but fails to comprehend meaning, deliberate on the good, or determine the value of actions.
The pressing danger is not that AI will gain consciousness and dominate our lives, but that human beings will lose their capacity for critical thought. We may create generations skilled in simply prompting machines, yet lacking in judgment and the ability to discern right from wrong. As psychologist Jordan Peterson emphasizes, it is vital for society to “get our act together” and cultivate wisdom that matches our growing technological capabilities to avert the destabilizing consequences that could follow.
This does not suggest a wholesale rejection of AI; rather, it calls for a balance. AI can, and undoubtedly will, be leveraged for numerous beneficial projects. What is essential is a revival of the cognitive habits and character traits fostered by rigorous education, which seems increasingly scarce in today’s education system. The significance of a classical liberal arts education becomes ever more compelling in this age of rapid technological advancement. Those who excel as engineers and policymakers will be those who reflect on the moral implications of their decisions, pondering not only “Can we build this?” but also “Should we?” and “How can we do this to enhance, rather than diminish, the human experience?”
Additionally, while regulation of AI is crucial—particularly in sensitive areas such as warfare, surveillance, and education—establishing laws alone is insufficient. We need active citizens and leaders capable of scrutinizing these systems and ensuring that technology remains a tool, rather than a master, of human progress. This cultural responsibility begins at home and in schools that prioritize the values of truth and beauty over mere efficiency. Universities must also resist the temptation to relinquish critical thinking to machines.
In an era dominated by AI, the societies that thrive will be those that excel at developing leaders capable of asserting when it is appropriate to say “We must not.” Ultimately, wisdom—rather than computational prowess—will stand as the rare resource that no machine can replicate. The path ahead demands a commitment to cultivating the depth of understanding that will allow humanity to wield its technological advancements responsibly.
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