The Vatican City State has taken a significant step in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) governance by introducing its first decree titled “Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence,” which took effect on January 1. This decree, established by the Pontifical Commission of Vatican City State, aims to address the ethical, social, and security implications of AI use within the Vatican institutions. It is designed to prohibit discriminatory AI applications and provide a framework for experimentation that aligns with the Vatican’s moral and ethical standards. Notably, these guidelines are not extended to the entire Roman Curia but are specifically tailored to practices within Vatican City that could pose security risks or marginalize individuals, especially those with disabilities.
Prohibitions and Ethical Frameworks
Discriminatory AI Applications and Social Inequality
In an era where AI’s capabilities are rapidly advancing, the Vatican’s decree is particularly focused on ensuring that AI applications do not foster discrimination or exacerbate social inequalities. The guidelines explicitly ban AI-driven “anthropological inferences,” emphasizing that no AI application should create social hierarchies or violate human dignity. This pertains to the prohibition of any AI system that could use harmful subliminal techniques or manipulate human behavior in unethical ways. Furthermore, the guidelines strictly forbid any AI development that contradicts the pope’s mission, undermines the integrity of the Catholic Church, or disrupts the operations of the Vatican.
To uphold these ethical standards, it is mandatory for all AI-generated content within the Vatican to be clearly labeled as “IA,” signifying its creation by artificial intelligence. This differentiation aims to maintain transparency and ensure that human-created content remains distinguished from machine-produced outputs. The decree also underscores the Vatican’s right to retain copyright over all AI-generated material, reinforcing the control over the usage and distribution of such content.
Inclusion and Transparency in AI Regulation
In addition to banning discriminatory applications, the Vatican’s guidelines emphasize the importance of inclusion and transparency in AI governance. Specific sectors such as health care, cultural heritage, judicial activity, and administration receive tailored guidelines to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI within these fields. For instance, within the judicial system, the role of AI is confined to research purposes, with legal interpretation and decision-making strictly reserved for human judges. This ensures that human judgment and ethical considerations remain paramount in legal proceedings.
The emphasis on transparency is further reinforced by the formation of a five-member “Commission on Artificial Intelligence.” This commission, composed of representatives from the legal, IT, and security departments of Vatican City, is tasked with monitoring AI activities, preparing implementation laws, issuing biannual reports, and evaluating AI proposals to ensure they meet the ethical standards set by the decree. By adopting a risk-based approach similar to the European Union’s AI Regulation, the Vatican intends to mitigate potential risks while promoting ethical responsibility and social justice in AI applications.
Alignment with Pope Francis’ Vision
Call for Ethical AI Governance
The Vatican’s initiative to regulate AI is closely aligned with Pope Francis’ enduring call for ethical AI governance. Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for establishing global norms that ensure AI technologies are developed and used in ways that uphold human dignity, social justice, and the common good. His advocacy extends to supporting an international treaty on AI regulation, calling for a unified approach to address the ethical challenges posed by autonomous technologies. Additionally, he has consistently urged for a ban on autonomous weapons, recognizing the moral imperatives of preventing the misuse of AI in warfare.
The “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” a document endorsed by Pope Francis, is a testament to the Vatican’s commitment to principled AI development. This document outlines key principles such as transparency, accountability, inclusion, impartiality, and reliability, all of which are reflected in the new AI guidelines. The decree’s focus on these principles ensures that AI technologies serve humanity and do not erode the foundational values of the Church.
Future Developments and AI Regulations
The Vatican City State has made a notable advancement in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) governance by launching its inaugural decree, “Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence,” which became effective on January 1. This decree, formulated by the Pontifical Commission of Vatican City State, seeks to tackle the ethical, social, and security consequences of AI deployment within Vatican institutions. It aims to prohibit biased AI uses and offers a framework for experimentation that aligns with the Vatican’s moral and ethical principles. However, these guidelines are specifically applicable only within Vatican City and do not extend to the entire Roman Curia. They are tailored to address practices that could pose security risks or marginalize certain groups, particularly individuals with disabilities. This measure underscores the Vatican’s commitment to ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly and ethically, reflecting the values and teachings of the Church. In this way, the Vatican aims to lead by example in the responsible governance of AI.
