PRESS RELEASE

AI and Medicine, the challenge of Human Dignity

Co-organized by the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC) and the Pontifical Academy for Life (PAL), the international Conference “AI and Medicine, the challenge of Human Dignity” will be held in Rome, from 10 to 12 November 2025. The event will take place at the General Curia of the Society of Jesus, Borgo Santo Spirito, 4.

The two study days in Rome will be divided into four sessions, with contributions from 26 speakers. A final document will then be presented, and the participants will attend the General Audience with the Holy Father. The words of Leo XIV provided the inspiration to the organizers of the Congress on the risks, opportunities and hopes linked to AI. As Pope Leo XIV has emphasized, humanity currently finds itself at a “crossroads”. On the one hand, the potential of Artificial Intelligence, capable of carrying out tasks with “incredible speed and efficiency”. On the other, its inability to replicate “moral discernment” and the most profound human experiences.

In his message to participants in the Second Annual Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Corporate Governance last June, Pope Leo XIV urged the preservation of human openness “to truth and beauty”, qualities that enable us to “grasp and process reality”. “Authentic wisdom”, he emphasizes in the message, consists of “recognizing the true meaning of life” rather than the “availability of data”; the “sense of what is human”. A concept that, as Pope Francis pointed out, is “sadly” being lost or at least eclipsed in society today. Leo XV therefore invites us to rediscover the “true nature”, the uniqueness “of our shared human dignity”. This all has important repercussions in the field of medicine, present and future, in the respect and promotion of the person, especially when fragile and sick.

“AI, especially Generative AI, has opened new horizons on many different levels, including enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery, but also raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions on humanity’s openness to truth and beauty, on our distinctive ability to grasp and process reality. Acknowledging and respecting what is uniquely characteristic of the human person is essential to the discussion of any adequate ethical framework for the governance of AI” (Leo XIV).

Regarding the upcoming Conference, Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, emphasizes that “together with the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, we feel we are able to offer a significant moment of knowledge, exploration and exchange, to meet the new challenges represented by artificial intelligence in the field of medicine and healthcare”.

Professor Bernard Ars, president of the FIAMC, adds: “AI is certainly an excellent technical aid for medicine. However, faced with its undeniable power, doctors cannot allow themselves to be mesmerised by it, but must remember and demonstrate that human beings are not objects to be solved, but rich and profound realities that must be approached with a welcoming attitude. AI must remain at the service of the patient!”.

Note for journalists:

On Wednesday 12 November at the Holy See Press Office, Via della Conciliazione 54, a Meeting Point will be held with the conclusions of the Conference. The participants will be: Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Dr. Bernard Ars, president of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, Professor Theresa Lysaught, theologian and bioethicist, member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, and Dr. Otmar Kloiber, secretary-general of the World Medical Association.

Accreditation and participation procedure

Journalists and media operators who wish to attend the Meeting Point must apply no later than two hours before the event via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at https://press.vatican.va/accreditamenti, selecting the event: Meeting point “AI e Medicina, la sfida della Dignità Umana”.

Journalists and media operators who are admitted will receive confirmation of participation via the online accreditation system.

Journalists and media operators accredited for the Meeting Point are requested to arrive 30 minutes before the start time.