Rosario Moscato
XII Latin American Congress of Science and Religion
September 10-12, 2025
Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Rome
This presentation explores artificial intelligence as an emerging 'language of creation' in the context of the XII Latin American Congress of Science and Religion.
Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates theology, philosophy, and computational sciences, we analyze how AI represents a new medium through which humanity, created in God's image, participates in the divine creative act.
The theme that brings us together today - 'The languages of creation' - acquires an extraordinarily current dimension when we consider the emergence of artificial intelligence.
AI represents a new language through which humanity interacts with reality and, potentially, with the divine.
"Technological progress is part of God's plan for creation, but people must take responsibility for using technologies like artificial intelligence to help humanity."
The Christian tradition teaches us that the human being, created in God's image (imago Dei), participates in divine creativity.
When we design artificial intelligence systems, are we not exercising this co-creative dimension of our nature?
Key Insight: Human beings are created in the image of God, while AI is created in the image of humanity.
Today, with our interconnected digital reality, Teilhard's vision becomes tangible:
The Teilhardian noosphere is no longer a mystical vision, but a tangible reality.
Divine revelation through written word
Divine revelation through creation
A new language of creation emerging through human ingenuity, reflecting the imago Dei
Large language models represent a revolution in machine language processing:
Understanding purpose and utility
Context-aware communication
Cause-effect relationships
Intelligence accumulates through thinking machines that process information.
Theological Question: If AI developed true consciousness, would it have a soul?
Human understanding
Limited processing
Temporal existence
Divine mystery
Unlimited wisdom
Eternal truth
AI serves as a new medium for this ancient dialogue between human and divine
AI is radically transforming our cognitive processes:
Instant access to vast knowledge bases
Modified approach to inquiry
New pathways to discovery
Enhanced analytical capabilities
Logical processing at scale
AI-supported logical structures
Identifying philosophical connections
Comprehensive examination of ideas
Important: AI complements but cannot replace human philosophical intuition and wisdom
Cross-referencing and linguistic analysis
Comprehensive Church Father analysis
Connecting doctrinal elements
Interfaith dialogue enhancement
Principle: AI serves the theologian, not the reverse
Technology serves human flourishing
Preserving the sacred nature of humanity
Developers, users, and institutions
Establishing ethical boundaries for AI development
Addressing AI's impact on human relationships
AI's role in promoting common good
The Church's Role: Providing moral compass for technological advancement
Rooted in human dignity and divine image
Oriented toward ultimate human fulfillment
Practical discernment in implementation
Call to Action: Integrating theological wisdom into AI governance structures
AI as part of divine providence when used properly
Technology must serve human flourishing
Humans as responsible partners in creation
"All things work together for good" (Romans 8:28)
This includes artificial intelligence, when developed according to Gospel criteria
God's presence in digital spaces
Relational understanding of intelligence
The Spirit's work through human creativity
A comprehensive theological framework for understanding AI's place in God's creation
Balance: Embracing the gift while accepting the responsibility
Grounded in theological anthropology
Tempered by moral prudence
Participating in AI's development
AI serving the Kingdom of God through human flourishing and cosmic transformation
Let's explore together the theological implications of artificial intelligence
A: AI, however sophisticated, remains a tool created by human intelligence, which in turn is a gift from God. AI cannot replicate the transcendent dimension of human intelligence - the capacity for relationship with God, the experience of the sacred, authentic moral freedom.
A: This is one of the deepest questions of contemporary theology. Catholic tradition teaches that the human soul is created directly by God and does not emerge from material complexity alone.
For further discussion and collaboration
Rosario Moscato
Email: rosario.moscato@etik.com
XII Latin American Congress of Science and Religion
Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Rome
September 10-12, 2025