SACRU presents new book on Artificial Intelligence with contributions from 16 researchers
The Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU) and Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice have launched a book on Artificial Intelligence (AI), bringing together contributions from 16 researchers associated with ten universities and two other institutions, located in nine countries. William Hasselberger, professor at the Institute of Political Studies at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, is one of the co-authors.
Entitled "Artificial Intelligence and Care of Our Common Home: A Focus on Industries, Finance, Education and Communication", the book reflects research begun in 2024, at the suggestion of Pope Francis, seeking to analyse the impact of AI in areas such as industry, finance, education and communication, from a multidisciplinary and international perspective, and proposing solutions to the challenges posed by its growing use.
Coordinated by Anna Maria Tarantola, the joint research project by SACRU and Fondazione has as co-authors Joseph Bonnici, Andrea Cosentini, Clarisse De Souza, Xavier Ferràs Hernàndez, Andrea Gaggioli, Elisabet Golobardes Ribé, William Hasselberger, Edgar Lyra, Mario A. Maggioni, Alejandra Marinovic, Mirella Mastrea, Giacomo Mazzone, Danielle Morin, Tetsuo Morishita and Giulia Schneider. It also includes an introduction by Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça, Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education. In their contributions, they address the risks and inequalities generated by the use of AI, identify conditions for responsible and ethical innovation, and suggest ways to put technology at the service of the common good while maintaining respect for human dignity.
The book was presented at the symposium "Artificial Intelligence and Care of Our Common Home", held at the Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina in Rome, with the participation of the President of the Universidade Católica and also president of SACRU, Isabel Capeloa Gil, in the opening session.
“The novelty of this colloquium — and of the volume produced from the research of more than sixteen academics — lies in its sustained reflection on the possibilities and limitations of AI for a model of human prosperity that still affirms the possibility of the common good: not as a nostalgic dream of religious idealists, but as an achievable horizon for civic and moral action. Here, universities have a particular responsibility", emphasised Isabel Capeloa Gil in her speech.
He added that this research "is proof of the responsibility of leading research institutions to measure and monitor the development of AI, but also to take responsibility and work with industry to co-create a future for humanity".
The event, promoted by SACRU and Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice, also included a presentation of the book and the research carried out, as well as a panel discussion on the application of AI in the areas of Industry, Finance, Education and Communication.
Before the Symposium, all participants and researchers attended a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, during which the Holy Father discussed the evolution of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on young people, and praised this research carried out by SACRU and Fondazione Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice, considering it "a truly valuable contribution" on the subject.