Indian Catholic journalists urge ethics in AI era 

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) — Indian Catholic journalists are calling for the need to deal with AI and to explore practical possibilities to address legitimate concerns that arise from AI, following reflections at a national convention.  

Members of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) gathered for the 31st National Convention of Christian Journalists on Sept. 19–20 at Paalanaa Bhavana in Bengaluru, where at the end of the convention they issued a statement. The convention operated under the theme “Humanity, Dignity, and Truth: Journalism without Compromise in the Age of AI”.  

Guidance from papal teaching 

Deliberations centred on papal guidance regarding emerging technology. Attendees reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s May 15, 2026 encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity): On Safeguarding the Human Person in the time of Artificial Intelligence.  

In the text, the pope emphasized that “our first task is neither to demonise nor idolise technological tools, but to utilise them based on a fundamental principle, namely that truth is a common good and not the property of those with power or influence”.

He further noted that “Christian communities, too, are called to commit themselves to transparency in communication and to the honest pursuit of facts”.  

Participants also reviewed the pope’s message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications on May 17, themed “Preserving Human Voices and Faces“.

He warned that “AI models are shaped by the worldview of those who build them and can, in turn, impose these ways of thinking by reproducing the stereotypes and prejudices present in the data they draw on”.  

To address these challenges, he stated that “The task laid before us is not to stop digital innovation, but rather to guide it and to be aware of its ambivalent nature”. He outlined that “This alliance is possible, but needs to be based on three pillars: responsibility, cooperation and education”.  

Industry insights and recognition 

Speakers at the convention addressed critical global and national issues, emphasizing that journalists must uphold human dignity and truth regardless of technological advancements.  

A thematic book featuring contributions from twenty media experts was released during the event to serve as a handbook for media professionals. Additionally, the ICPA honoured five media personnel with its annual awards.  

Looking forward, the association acknowledged the complexities of operating in the digital era.  

In their final declaration members stated: “The road ahead in this age of AI, is not going to be an easy one; we have no doubt that there will be complexities, challenges, and concerns. We pledge however to ensure that our journalism will be without compromise, where humanity, dignity and truth are non-negotiables!”  

Read the statement.