The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has cautioned against the irresponsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that technological advancement without ethical guidance could have destructive consequences for humanity.
Archbishop Kaigama gave the warning on Sunday while delivering his homily at St. Anthony Mary Claret Pastoral Area, Runji, Zuba, Abuja.
The Archbishop said humanity is witnessing the effects of the misuse of freedom through unethical applications of science, medicine and emerging technologies.
“Today, we witness this in the misuse of human freedom, the unethical application of science and medicine, and now, in Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
Referring to Pope Leo XIV, Kaigama noted that while the Catholic Church recognises the enormous potential of AI, it also insists that its development and deployment must be guided by moral responsibility.
“Pope Leo XIV… speaks positively about the immense potential of artificial intelligence while also warning against its destructive consequences when used irresponsibly,” he said.
The Archbishop urged Christians not to lose hope despite the challenges posed by rapid technological and social changes but instead remain committed to promoting values that uphold human dignity.
“Living in a world marked by decay, St. Paul encourages us to endure hardships and uncertainties, to step out of our comfort zones, and to persevere in promoting the culture of life, the culture of peace and the culture of friendship,” he said.
Kaigama stressed that God’s Word remains the surest guide for navigating the complexities of modern society, describing it as a source of wisdom, renewal and strength.
“The Word of God should become the spiritual vitamins of our lives. When we allow the Word of God to permeate the depths of our being, it becomes a lamp to our feet and a guide to our path,” he said.
He added that no human invention or worldly influence could rival the enduring power of God’s Word.
“The greatest force that has transformed the world is neither military power, political influence, nor economic wealth. It is the Word of God,” the Archbishop declared.
During the pastoral visit, Kaigama also celebrated the marriage of 12 couples and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 160 candidates, describing both milestones as encouraging signs of the Church’s continued spiritual growth.
