US Bishops Focus on AI and Young People in Labor Day Message

In their traditional Labor Day message, U.S. bishops drew attention to the economic uncertainties experienced by young people and the potential risks of artificial intelligence to job security.

Background of the Labor Day Message

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released its traditional Labor Day message to celebrate workers and honor the sanctity of labor.

Committee Chairman Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre emphasized that work is not merely a means of earning a living, but also a form of participation in divine creation.

Economic Challenges and the Situation of Young People

The published statement drew attention to chronic economic problems such as stagnant wages, limited employment opportunities for youth, and the high cost of living.

According to data, a significant portion of workers live on low incomes, and low-wage jobs largely lack security.

Artificial Intelligence and Employment Concerns

The rapid development of artificial intelligence has sparked widespread fears regarding job security and concerns that unemployment could rise.

It was stated that the younger generation in particular is the segment most affected by the AI wave and experiencing the highest level of anxiety.

The Pope's Encyclical and a Human-Centric Approach

Archbishop Fabre made evaluations based on Pope Leo XIV's encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas*, which addresses artificial intelligence.

Warnings were issued that artificial intelligence cannot replace human intelligence and risks creating new forms of exclusion.

Call for Shared Responsibility and a Just Economy

It was emphasized that the Church, the state, labor unions, and non-governmental organizations bear a shared responsibility to protect human dignity.

It was reiterated that technology must be developed with a vision that places humans, rather than just profit, at the center.