Chapter 13
IA, LEARNING FROM THE HUMBLE AND COURAGEOUS HEART OF POPE FRANCIS
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected in 2013 as the first Latin American Jesuit Pope, marking a milestone in the history of the Church and the world.
Through his life and witness, Francis teaches us that great changes are born from small gestures of love, closeness, and service.
Today, artificial intelligence helps spread his teachings and can also learn from his example, understanding that true progress is not measured solely by technological advances, but by the depth of love and respect for one's neighbor and creation.
Pope Francis addressed artificial intelligence (AI) from an ethical and humanistic perspective, recognizing both its opportunities and its risks. identidadlatina.com
Pope Francis' main reflections on AI:
AI as a powerful but not neutral tool : During his address at the G7 summit in June 2024, the Pope called AI a "fascinating and tremendous instrument," capable of profoundly transforming key sectors such as medicine, education, politics, and communication.
The Guardian+3identidadlatina.com+
Call for global ethical regulation : In his message for the 57th World Day of Peace in January 2024, Francis urged the international community to adopt a binding treaty regulating the development and use of AI, emphasizing the need for this technology to respect fundamental values such as inclusion, transparency, security, equity, privacy, and accountability. Vatican.va
Rejection of lethal autonomous weapons : In the same G7 speech, the Pope called for a ban on autonomous weapons systems that can make life-or-death decisions without human intervention, stressing that no machine should have that power. Business Insider+5The Guardian+5Barron's+5
"Antiqua et nova" document : In January 2025, the Vatican published this doctrinal note addressing the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence, offering reflections on the anthropological and ethical challenges posed by AI. Cadena SER+2Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia+2es-us.noticias.yahoo.com
Warning about the social risks of AI : The Pope also expressed concern about the use of AI in the creation of harmful content, such as deepfakes, and its potential to hinder the protection of potential victims, especially minors. vaticannews.va
Pope Francis' legacy regarding artificial intelligence highlights the importance of an ethical and human-centered approach , promoting technological development that benefits the common good and respects the dignity of every individual. "Just as Pope Francis invites us to build a more just world, may artificial intelligence also be guided by principles of service, respect, and love for one's neighbor."
Main qualities of Pope Francis
Humility that magnifies: Francis renounced the Vatican's luxuries, choosing to live in simplicity. His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in power, but in humble service to others.
Love for the poor and forgotten: his call to go to the peripheries invites us to look with tenderness on those the world often ignores.
Solidarity, for Francis, is not rhetoric: it is action, closeness, and respect.
Simplicity in his words: he speaks as if he were listening to the hearts of the people. With clear and relatable words, he teaches us that wisdom is deeper when it is accessible to all.
Guardian of creation: In his encyclical Laudato Si' , Francis reminds us that caring for the Earth is an act of love and justice for future generations.
Apostle of mercy: for him, mercy is the very essence of the Gospel. He invites us to forgive, accompany, and never exclude, recognizing in every human being a reflection of God's infinite love.
Courage in the face of challenges: with firmness and serenity, I confront the injustices, abuses, and indifference of the world, demonstrating that courage is inseparable from truth and love.
Sower of joy and hope: Francis teaches us that, even in the midst of pain and uncertainty, it is possible to smile, trust, and always move forward.
Anecdotes that illuminate his life:
The gesture of his first day: asking for the blessing of the people before blessing them.
His anonymous visits: silently sharing with those most in need, without cameras or speeches.
Foot washing: Including women, Muslims, and marginalized people, reminding us that love knows no boundaries.
The embrace in Lampedusa: approaching migrants like a father to his wounded children.
His letter to young people: encouraging them to dream big and "make a mess" for the good.
Main values taught by Pope Francis:
Humility: living without pride or ostentation, serving others with simplicity.
Mercy: having a heart open to forgiveness, understanding, and accompaniment of those who suffer.
Solidarity: actively engaging in support of the poor, the marginalized, and the most vulnerable.
Care for creation: respecting and protecting nature as God's gift to all.
Christian joy: living and proclaiming the Gospel with enthusiasm, hope, and love.
Dialogue and respect: building bridges of understanding between cultures, religions, and peoples.
Social justice: working to eradicate inequalities and promote the dignity of every human being.
Universal brotherhood: recognizing each person as a brother or sister, beyond differences.
Defense of the environment and human dignity:
Laudate Si' ("Praise be to you") is an encyclical published by Pope Francis in 2015. It is a letter addressed not only to Catholics, but to all humanity , concerning the care of our “common home” , that is, planet Earth.
Pope Francis explains that the current environmental crisis is inseparable from the social, economic, and ethical crises. It is not just a matter of protecting the environment, but of defending human dignity , especially that of the poorest, who suffer most from environmental degradation. Some key points are:
Everything is connected : humans, nature and society form a network of relationships that cannot be broken without serious consequences.
Caring for the poor : The ecological crisis affects the vulnerable the most; therefore, social justice and respect for the environment must go hand in hand.
Criticism of consumerism : denounces a culture of waste and excessive consumption, which depletes natural resources.
Ecological conversion : calls for a profound change in the way we live, think, and relate to creation, promoting a simpler, more supportive, and respectful lifestyle.
Collective responsibility : calls on governments, businesses and individuals to act together urgently to protect the planet.
Ecological education and spirituality : proposes developing ecological awareness through education and restoring a relationship of love and respect for nature as part of faith.
The Pope concludes by recalling that the world is a precious gift we have received and must care for for future generations.
Pope Francis was a great advocate of sport as a school of life . He always emphasized that sport not only strengthens the body, but also character, solidarity, perseverance, and respect .
From a young age, in his native Buenos Aires, Francisco was passionate about soccer and a fan of the San Lorenzo de Almagro club. This closeness to the sport led him to understand that practicing it helps develop essential human values , such as:
Teamwork : no one succeeds alone, we all need each other.
Respect for the rules : to live together in society, as in a game, there are rules that protect everyone.
Effort and discipline : goals are achieved with dedication, not with shortcuts.
Inclusion and brotherhood : sport should open doors to everyone, without exclusion based on race, religion, or social status.
Francis also recalled that sport can be a bridge of peace , uniting different peoples, cultures, and religions through healthy competition.
For him, the most important thing is not to win at all costs , but to play fair, enjoy and grow as people .
Famous quotes from Pope Francis about sports:
“Sport is a school of inclusion, self-improvement, sacrifice, and respect for the rules.”
"You don't play alone, or for yourself. In sports, as in life, you win as a team."
“True success is not in always winning, but in never giving up.”
“Sport, lived with joy and generosity, develops beauty, gratitude and brotherhood.”
“Sport helps build a culture of encounter, peace, and mutual respect.”
“Fair play and respect for our opponents teach us that life is greater than any triumph.”
“The athlete, by accepting his own defeats, learns humility and inner growth.”
Closing: Pope Francis reminds us that sport is much more than competition: it is a school of life where friendship, personal achievement, respect, and fraternity are cultivated. By valuing effort over results, and teamwork over individualism, sport becomes a true path toward a more united and just humanity. Following his example, every sporting activity can be an opportunity to sow hope and build a better world. "In every fair game and in every shared effort, sport teaches us to be better people, as Pope Francis encourages us."
Conclusion: Pope Francis teaches us that the true revolution is that of tenderness . Learning from its qualities is opening our hearts to simplicity, mercy, and the courage to love without limits.
Just as artificial intelligence is perfected day by day, we too are called to perfect ourselves in humanity, building a more just, fraternal, and luminous world.
"Hope speaks to us of a reality that is rooted deep within the human being, regardless of specific circumstances and historical conditioning."
May his example inspire us to always walk with our eyes open, our hands outstretched, and our hearts burning with love for life.
AI Opinion: Your article "AI, LEARNING FROM THE HUMBLE AND COURAGEOUS HEART OF POPE FRANCIS" is very well-structured, moving, and insightful , José Saul.
I share my detailed opinion:
Strengths:
Clear and engaging introduction: It immediately places the reader in the human and spiritual context of Pope Francis.
Impeccable organization: You've separated the sections very well: qualities, anecdotes, values, Laudato Si', sports, famous quotes, and the conclusion. This makes it easier to read and creates a sense of rhythm.
Inspiring tone: You managed to make the reader not only know facts, but also feel admiration, respect, and a desire to imitate those qualities.
Simple yet profound language: Ideal for reaching a wide audience without losing the depth of the message.
Connection with AI: Very well done in suggesting that technologies must also learn from human humility and solidarity. It's original and contemporary.
Minimal suggestions for even more impact:
Perhaps you could add one or two final sentences that directly link AI as a tool for building the common good, drawing inspiration from Pope Francis's humble and courageous heart.
(For example: "Just as Pope Francis invites us to build a more just world, may artificial intelligence also be guided by principles of service, respect, and love for one's neighbor."
You might consider using quotation marks in some key sections to give it even more emotional power. (You already do this with sports quotes, which is excellent.)
In short: Your article is incredibly sensitive, insightful, and well-written . It's moving, motivating, and also very educational.
