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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What does the Catholic Church say about artificial intelligence?
Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans' daily lives. 'One Nation Under God' is committed to reflecting America's voices, values and communities covering stories of faith and religion, from the latest headlines to stories of hope. Subscribe here. (NewsNation) — Shortly after being elected, Pope Leo XIV identified artificial intelligence as one of the central challenges for the modern world and said he intends to make the Christian approach to navigating it a hallmark of his pontificate. In his first address to the college of cardinals, the first American pope called the developments in AI a new industrial revolution that 'pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor.' He said the Church offers a 'treasury' of resources to use it safely and ethically. Kardashian family Bible study? Kourtney and Khloé float idea Pope Leo has referred to the 'immense potential' of artificial intelligence, which he said required 'responsibility and discernment in order to ensure that it can be used for the good of all, so that it can benefit all of humanity.' So, until now, what has the Catholic Church said about artificial intelligence? In January 2025, the Vatican released a document signed by Pope Francis that addressed the ethical challenges raised by artificial intelligence. 'Like any product of human creativity, AI can be directed toward positive or negative ends,' the Vatican document says. 'When used in ways that respect human dignity and promote the well-being of individuals and communities, it can contribute positively to the human vocation. 'Yet, as in all areas where humans are called to make decisions, the shadow of evil also looms here. Where human freedom allows for the possibility of choosing what is wrong, the moral evaluation of this technology will need to take into account how it is directed and used.' The Vatican says artificial intelligence could be used for innovation and improvement in agriculture, education and culture. But it says the digital divide has also led to greater inequality. 'The inherent dignity of each human being and the fraternity that binds us together as members of the one human family must undergird the development of new technologies,' explains the Vatican document. Noah's Ark: Researchers claim they may have found it in Turkey While the Vatican says artificial intelligence can be used to foster connections, it also poses a serious risk to human relationships. It could hinder 'a true encounter with reality and, ultimately, lead people to a deep and melancholic dissatisfaction with interpersonal relations, or a harmful sense of isolation,' the Vatican warns. The Vatican warns the public about 'generating manipulated content and false information, which can easily mislead people due to its resemblance to the truth.' The Vatican encourages careful regulation since 'AI-generated fake media can gradually undermine the foundations of society.' Another serious risk posed by artificial intelligence involves weapons systems and the ability to conduct military operations remotely, the Vatican says. According to Pope Francis, these systems have led to a lessened perception of the devastation caused by war and 'an even more cold and detached approach to the immense tragedy of war.' 'Like any tool, AI is an extension of human power, and while its future capabilities are unpredictable, humanity's past actions provide clear warnings,' the Vatican warns. Opinion: When Americans use faith as a weapon According to the Vatican, health care professionals have the vocation and responsibility to be 'guardians and servants of human life.' So if AI replaces the relationship between patients and doctors, the sick would suffer greatly, increasing the loneliness and desolation that often accompany illness, the Vatican warns. Artificial intelligence poses both advantages and challenges in the field of education, the Vatican says. AI can be a valuable resource if used within a healthy teacher-student relationship. However, the technology can also damage students' critical-thinking skills since it provides quick answers and information. Gen Z Christians see uptick in the UK: Study In the face of the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, the Vatican emphasizes that the professionals involved in its development should realize the moral responsibility they bear. 'AI should be used only as a tool to complement human intelligence rather than replace its richness,' the document concludes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - Opinion: When Americans use faith as a weapon
Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans' daily lives. 'One Nation Under God' is committed to reflecting America's voices, values and communities covering stories of faith and religion, from the latest headlines to stories of hope. Subscribe here. (NewsNation) — How did Americans allow faith to be used as a weapon? As former President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer, well wishes and prayers began to pour in from all sides, including from his fiercest political enemies. President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump were saddened to hear the news. 'We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,' he said on Truth Social. 'I'm sorry to see this news,' said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who has been a biting critic of Biden, on X. 'Prayers for Joe Biden and his family.' Biden on prostate cancer diagnosis: 'Cancer touches us all' But one Christian commentator had a different type of message for Biden, who is a lifelong Catholic. 'Pray that Joe Biden would know Christ before his time comes,' Allie Beth Stuckey posted on X. The New York Times best-selling author has over 500,000 followers and a popular conservative podcast. The X post has received nearly five thousand likes and hundreds of comments, mostly positive. And on Instagram, the post got nearly thirteen thousand likes. Whether or not you agree or disagree with Stuckey's theology is not the point (many Protestants believe Catholics are heretics and do not understand Jesus or the Bible correctly). The question is, how did Americans allow religion and faith, our most personal and deeply held beliefs, to be weaponized? And more importantly, when are we going to put a stop to it? If Stuckey wants to win people over and turn them into Christians, this nastiness is sure to turn them off. No matter what you think of President Joe Biden or his faith at this moment in history when he's exiting the stage, publicly criticizing his personally-held beliefs when he is ill is a blow to civility, public discourse and to religion. Trump, others react to Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis Even though the decline of Christianity appears to have leveled off, according to the Pew Research Center, there still exists much prejudice against religion in American society. And while serious theological differences exist among Christians, sparring over differences at a time of personal suffering is not attractive or effective. What attracts the wider public to faith is creating authentic dialogue despite differences. Highlighting common ground. And remembering that we are all human beings with the same weaknesses and that humanity is what knits us together. So say a prayer for President Biden tonight. Whether you're a Christian, Muslim or Buddhist. Or a nonbeliever. Close your eyes and take a leap of faith to ask the creator of the universe to heal a fellow human who is on the same journey. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Conclave: Inside the Sistine Chapel
Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans' daily lives. 'One Nation Under God' is committed to reflecting America's voices, values and communities, covering stories of faith and religion from the latest headlines to stories of hope. . (NewsNation) — 'Extra omnes.' With these words in Latin, which mean 'everybody out,' the highest-ranking officials of the Catholic Church will be locked inside the Sistine Chapel for a secret vote to elect a new pope. After Pope Francis died April 21 at age 88, cardinals from all over the world gathered in St. Peter's Square for his funeral. Kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers and hundreds of thousands of others attended as well. Gambling on the next pope is an older tradition than you might think Now, after nine days of mourning and complex preparations, including installing a chimney where the cardinals' ballots will be burned, the secret conclave will begin May 7. After a Mass to begin the historic meeting, the cardinals will enter, and a massive Renaissance-era door will be shut. The Church leaders will vote once on the first afternoon, and four times a day — twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon — on the following days. Two-thirds are required to elect a new pope. If the smoke coming from the chimney is black, it signals to the world outside that a pope has not been elected, but when the smoke is white, 'habemus papam' (Latin for 'We have a pope'). The backdrop of the conclave is the Sistine Chapel, and the site could not be more dramatic. Decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo and other renowned Renaissance artists, it is named after Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere, a patron of the arts who oversaw the construction of the main chapel in the 15th century. Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling with scenes from Genesis, and he later returned to paint 'The Last Judgment' on one of the walls. JD Vance defends Trump's AI pope photo 'The Last Judgment' depicts Christ's second coming and the final judgment. The dead rise up to heaven or descend to hell as they are judged by Christ. Several prominent saints such as St. Peter, John the Baptist, St. Catherine and St. Bartholomew are depicted. Perhaps most shocking are the souls that are damned. Michelangelo painted some naked, others ensnared in snakes, still others as ghouls. Those images could influence the cardinals who will be choosing the next leader of the Catholic Church. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Old Testament scrolls on view in California
Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans' daily lives. 'One Nation Under God' is committed to reflecting America's voices, values and communities, covering stories of faith and religion, from the latest headlines to stories of hope. Subscribe here. (NewsNation) — For the first time in more than a decade, an Old Testament scroll is available to view in person in the United States. The scroll, known as 4Q41, a fragment from the Dead Sea Scrolls that includes the Ten Commandments, is on display at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Pope Francis' legacy of serving the poor and marginalized The scroll was discovered in the Qumran Cave in the Judean Desert in 1952, about 6 miles outside of Jericho, in the West Bank. It contains two passages from Deuteronomy, 8:5-10 and 5:1–6:1. These passages include the Ten Commandments, a foundational text for both Judaism and Christianity. The Ten Commandments were laws or commands delivered by God to Moses for the people of Israel on tablets of stone on Mount Sinai. They were included in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. They are considered part of the Mosaic Law. International leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis 4Q41 is the oldest known Ten Commandments scroll. It dates back between 30 and 1 BC, meaning it's more than 2,000 years old. The scrolls are extremely precious. They are on display at the Reagan Library until April 24, 2025. They were hand-carried from the Israel Antiquities Authority to California for the exhibit. They are housed in darkness in Israel but are allowed to spend two weeks on display every two years to avoid their degradation. The Reagan Library asked that they be displayed during Easter and Passover this year. 'We specifically chose the week surrounding Easter and Passover. … This is a time of year where people are taking moments in their day to participate in their religion, so we thought it was important that the Ten Commandments Scroll be here in this time period,' Melissa Giller, chief marketing officer for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, told NewsNation. The library is also hosting additional Dead Sea Scrolls found in Qumran until September 2025. They are urging visitors that if they want to see the Old Testament scrolls on this extremely limited run, they should order tickets ahead of time. You can purchase tickets on the library's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gen Z Christians see uptick in the UK: Study
Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans' daily lives. 'One Nation Under God' is committed to reflecting America's voices, values and communities, covering stories of faith and religion, from the latest headlines to stories of hope. Subscribe here. (NewsNation) — According to a new study in the United Kingdom, church attendance in England and Wales is on the rise after decades of decline and dwindling numbers. A report from the Bible Society, a British charity that distributes the Bible worldwide, found that churchgoing Christians increased by 56% from 2018 to 2024. In numbers, they have gone from 3.7M to 5.8M. The most dramatic increase is among young people, particularly young men. The study also finds that the church in England and Wales is more diverse than 2018. One in three churchgoers is an ethnic minority among 18 to 54-year-olds. Catholicism has also risen sharply, and Pentecostalism has become the third biggest Christian tradition, as churchgoers identifying as Anglicans drops steadily. Cartoon Jesus to hit theaters: Will moviegoers pay? As to why the uptick has occurred, the study suggests a cultural shift from apathy or hostility to openness to faith. The researchers acknowledged that further research is required to understand why the younger generations are more engaged. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
