By Terry Poplava
Pope Leo XIV has commanded our attention through his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. Isabella Piro, writing for Vatican news, highlights the underpinning framework: “Divided into five chapters, Magnifica humanitas has an underlying premise: technology is not “a force antagonistic to humanity” (4), nor is it “inherently evil” (9). However, “technology is never neutral, because it takes on the characteristics of those who devise, finance, regulate, and use it.”
“Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.”
– Pope Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas
While it’s convenient to reference the document as “the Pope’s encyclical about AI”, the heart of the message is about our dignity as people with very strong reminders to care for each other as part of the common good. With AI, our pace of development and application of technology has increased dramatically at the hands of relatively few people. Pope Leo emphasizes the need to place humanity in the forefront of the technology: “AI must be “disarmed,” in order to free it from the mentality of military, economic, and cognitive competition. “To disarm means discrediting the assumption that technical power automatically confers the right to govern,” he says. “To disarm does not mean rejecting technology, but preventing it from dominating humanity.”
In March 2026, ACST American Beliefs conducted a survey of 1500 respondents on a range of topics including: Honesty in America, Essential Qualities in Friendship and Faith Sharing, and AI and the Church. 21% of responses were from Catholics across generational groups:
The research was conducted prior to the publication of Magnifica Humanitas, but responses offer important insights about using AI in our local parishes. One concern is the level of trust we place in AI to provide truthful answers. When asked “who” respondents trust the least/are most likely to lie, Artificial Intelligence was ranked more trustworthy than others!
As we use AI, we are becoming more aware of potential inaccuracy in some answers. Our tendency to trust technology is a concern. A 2024 survey by gloo found that people trust tech more than people. 81% of Americans rely on their own research to make big life decisions. We have been conditioned to trust technology through our lived experience. The new capabilities of AI provide fantastic new capabilities for us, however with the new capability is personal and organizational responsibility to observe and discern the accuracy of the information provided.
Respondents were also asked “in what ways is it acceptable for a local church to us AI tools?” (scale of 1-5).
The survey results point toward a clear principle: Catholics are most receptive to AI when it helps parish leaders serve people more effectively.
Respondents showed the greatest support for AI applications that provide practical assistance while preserving the human relationships at the heart of parish life. Whether helping parish staff communicate more efficiently, analyze information, or serve increasingly diverse communities, the most acceptable uses of AI were those that enhanced ministry rather than replaced it.
Let AI Handle Routine Work
Our research suggests that Catholics are most comfortable with AI when it supports ministry rather than replaces it. One of the clearest opportunities for parishes is using AI to assist with routine administrative tasks.
Parish staff can use AI to draft emails, newsletters, bulletin content, meeting summaries, and reports. AI can also help identify trends in parish data and prepare information for review. These capabilities can save time while allowing staff to focus their energy on serving parishioners and supporting the mission of the parish.
Several dioceses are already exploring these possibilities. One diocese recently used ACST’s AI function to identify parishioners who consistently support multiple parishes over time. Another is using AI to better understand how parishioners engage with parish life and move through different stages of discipleship.
Keep People at the Center
While AI can assist with research, analysis, and content creation, it cannot replace human judgment, pastoral care, or personal relationships.
Parish leaders remain responsible for reviewing information, verifying accuracy, and exercising discernment. Technology may help identify trends or suggest opportunities, but people must continue to make decisions grounded in faith, wisdom, and an understanding of the unique needs of their communities.
This is especially important as our research indicates that many people place a high level of trust in technology. AI can be a valuable tool, but it should never become a substitute for human responsibility or personal interaction.
Use AI to Create More Time for Ministry
The greatest opportunity for AI in parish life may not be efficiency alone. The real opportunity is creating more time for the work that only people can do.
When administrative burdens are reduced, parish staff and volunteers can devote more attention to listening, accompanying, teaching, encouraging, and serving others. Development leaders can spend less time compiling reports and more time building relationships with donors. Pastoral leaders can focus more fully on the people entrusted to their care.
Pope Leo reminds us that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. The goal is not to replace ministry with AI, but to use AI responsibly so that we can strengthen the personal relationships, community, and human dignity that remain at the heart of parish life.
Actions for Parishes
As your parish explores AI, begin with clear expectations and thoughtful safeguards.
Establish guidelines for which tools may be used and how they should be used. Protect parishioner information by avoiding the use of sensitive parish data in external AI systems. Explore the AI capabilities offered by trusted ministry technology partners and understand how data is protected.
Start small. Ask staff members to use AI to draft a bulletin article, edit a letter, summarize a meeting, or prepare a report. Encourage them to share both successes and challenges with the team.
Finally, look beyond simple efficiency. Consider what additional insights might help your parish better understand engagement, stewardship, faith formation, or ministry participation. AI has the potential to help us move beyond collecting information and toward understanding the trends and relationships that shape parish life.
Pope Leo XIV has given the Church a timely framework for approaching artificial intelligence. Our research suggests that Catholics are open to using AI when it respects human dignity, strengthens relationships, and serves the common good. Parish leaders have an important opportunity to provide guidance, model responsible use, and ensure that technology remains a tool in service of people, faith, and community.
