Cardinal Radcliffe: We must encourage young people to ask questions in the age of artificial intelligence

Speaking at the International Congress on Pastoral Care in Schools and Universities held in the Vatican, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe evaluated ways to keep the imagination of young people alive during a period dominated by artificial intelligence and digitalization.

Speaking at a session titled "Digital Human" organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, Cardinal Radcliffe stated that young people need both a safe harbor and adventure while coping with the anxieties brought by the digital era. Stating that faith is not merely about certainties but is also an intellectual adventure, Radcliffe emphasized that the ability of young people to ask questions and wonder cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.

Drawing attention to the fact that the digital world is full of distractions, the Cardinal stated that "loving attention" shown to others is a human necessity. Touching upon the effects of artificial intelligence in the business world, Radcliffe argued that human presence and attention in professions such as social workers or teachers cannot be copied by any technological tool. Concluding his speech by calling for rescuing young people from digital abstractions, Radcliffe drew attention to the importance of focusing on the beauty of creation.