THEOLOGY, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AND HOPE FOR HUMANITY
A Communiqué Issued by the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, at the Conclusion of Its 34th Theology Conference Week on the Theme: ‘Theology, Artificial Intelligence and Hope for Humanity,’ Held from 7th – 11th April, 2025.

1. Preamble: The Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, successfully organized and hosted its 34th Theology Conference Week on the theme “Theology, Artificial Intelligence, and Hope for Humanity” from Monday, April 7 to Friday, April 11, 2025. The conference gathered bishops, theologians, clergy, consecrated persons, lay scholars, students, researchers, and technocrats from across the region and beyond. After prayerful deliberations, we now issue the following communiqué:

2. Gratitude: We give thanks to Almighty God, the eternal source of all intelligence—both human and artificial—for granting us the grace to gather at this pivotal moment in human history, when artificial intelligence raises profound questions about the nature of hope and the dignity of the human person

3. The Relevance of Theology in a Digital Age: In an era marked by unprecedented technological transformation, theology risks being seen as outdated or irrelevant. We firmly affirm that theology remains the lumen fidei (light of faith), capable of interpreting and illuminating human experiences across every age. In the face of these advancements, theology must be dynamic, dialogical, and discerning. Accordingly, we resolve that CIWA and other ecclesiastical institutions in Africa should continue to deepen research into artificial intelligence from theological, philosophical, and pastoral perspectives. We encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and contextual African reflections. Furthermore, CIWA shall promote engagement with platforms such as MagisteriumAI and VulgateAI, which uphold the orthodoxy, integrity, and integrality of Catholic faith and morals, thereby fostering sound theological formation and faithful ecclesial scholarship.

4. Artificial Intelligence as a Human Creation: There is a growing tendency to idolize artificial intelligence or view it as a quasi-divine force. We clarify that AI, as a product of human ingenuity (imago humanis), is not inherently evil. When properly oriented toward the common good, it can enhance human dignity, improve education, advance healthcare, and support pastoral outreach. However, we caution against its deification or uncritical glorification, which undermines the sovereignty of God and the uniqueness of the human person made in the imago Dei (image of God). Therefore, we call on Catholic communication experts to intensify digital media literacy programmes that will help the faithful navigate AI’s promises and perils with critical thinking, responsible use, and alignment with Catholic moral principles.

5. On the Ethical and Moral Dimensions of AI: AI development and deployment often operate within ethical grey zones, lacking sufficient spiritual and moral guidance. Theology must not respond with fear, but with the harmonious integration of fides et ratio (faith and reason). We thus urge the Church in Africa to engage governmental and international bodies in advocating for AI policies that uphold ethical norms and protect the dignity and rights of the human person—especially the vulnerable, such as those in conflict zones, refugee camps, and marginalized communities.

6. On Hope for Humanity: Modern reliance on technology increasingly risks displacing divine providence with mechanical efficiency. True hope (spes) cannot be placed in machines or algorithms but in the redeeming love of Christ, the Alpha and the Omega. Amid the uncertainties of technological progress, we affirm that Christian hope endures, rooted in the Resurrection—our assurance of life over death, meaning over absurdity, and communion over isolation. We therefore call on ecclesiastical institutions throughout the West African subregion to prepare themselves to offer theological responses to the existential and eschatological questions posed by AI. In so doing, we present Christ as the enduring and unshakable foundation of hope.

7. Evangelization and the Digital Apostolate:  The Church has yet to fully harness the immense opportunities presented by AI and digital platforms for evangelization. The digital space is a real mission territory, and the Church must boldly proclaim the Gospel therein. Pastoral agents must be both digitally literate and theologically grounded. AI can assist in missiology, catechesis, interfaith dialogue, and theological education—provided it remains a servant of the Gospel. We therefore encourage dioceses to train communication directors who are digitally savvy and empower them to lead digital pastoral initiatives. These should especially focus on engaging youth, digital natives, and online faith communities while ensuring doctrinal integrity and authentic spiritual nourishment.

8. Theological Formation and Seminary Education: Theological and priestly formation today must be holistic and responsive to the digital age. We recognize the concerted efforts of Rectors of Major Seminaries and their teams in preparing future priests to confront modern digital realities. We affirm that future priests and religious must be equipped to engage AI with faith, reason, and pastoral sensitivity, if this has not been done already. We recommend a reconfiguration of seminary curricula to include subjects such as digital anthropology, AI ethics, cyber theology, and digital pastoral praxis. In this way, seminarians will be well-prepared to minister effectively in a digitalized world—while maintaining their contemplative and prayerful identity.

9. Conclusion: In the spirit of Gaudium et Spes (GS 3, 33, 53, 57, 59), and in fidelity to Pope Francis’s teachings in Laudato Si’ (LS 102, 105, 112–114, 136) and Laudate Deum (LD 2, 21, 23, 43), we call upon all the faithful—especially theologians and ecclesiastical institutions—not to relate to artificial intelligence as passive recipients, uncritical consumers, or fearful skeptics. Rather, we must become proactive shapers of a future full of hope. Let us dare to build a civilization of love, where technology serves truth, and humanity flourishes in communion with God and neighbour.

We commend the Church in West Africa to the intercession of Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, and invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the Church in Africa and across the globe as we navigate the uncharted waters of technological evolution.

Issued this 11th Day of April, in the Year of Our Lord 2025,
at the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Rev. Fr. Wilson U. Akhigbe
Registrar, Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Very Rev’d Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe
Rector, Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria