Cardinal McElroy Calls for a Social Contract for the Digital World
Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington called for the establishment of a new social contract in the digital world to address the ethical and moral challenges brought by artificial intelligence.
Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington stated that societal groups must be involved in the process in the face of concerns and dangers posed by artificial intelligence, calling for a social contract for the digital world.
The Search for a Social Contract in the Digital World
Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington emphasized that a new social contract must be forged in the digital world to address the moral, social, and ethical problems brought by artificial intelligence and robotics technologies.
The Importance of Social Participation
Cardinal McElroy stated that the future direction of artificial intelligence should be shaped not only by industry professionals, but by a broad spectrum of societal groups.
Catholic Social Teaching and Papal Encyclical
Referencing Pope Leo XIV's May 2026 encyclical Magnifica Humanitas in his speech, the cardinal brought principles of Catholic social teaching such as human dignity and the common good to the forefront.
The Danger of the Technocratic Paradigm
Cardinal McElroy stated that the technocratic paradigm, which reduces human beings to mere cogs in a machine while prioritizing efficiency and profit, is one of the greatest dangers of the digital age.