Conscience, Freedom, and Truth in the Age of AI: A Reflection in the Light of GS and MH

As part of the Online Theological Continuing Education Course organized by the Theological Faculty of the Pontifical University Antonianum for the 2026–2027 academic year, Prof. Martín Carbajo Núñez, OFM, will be among the professors invited to explore the anthropological dimension of contemporary theological questions from different perspectives.

The course, entitled “What Really Makes Our Humanity Magnificent?”, will consist of six online sessions, each led by a different professor from the Faculty. The program will explore the question of the human person from biblical, patristic, Christological, Franciscan, contemporary theological, and moral perspectives.

Prof. Carbajo will lead the session scheduled for April 7, with a presentation entitled:

“Conscience, Freedom, and Truth in the Age of Artificial Intelligence in the Light of Gaudium et Spes and Magnifica Humanitas”

His presentation will explore the major anthropological questions raised by the rapid development of artificial intelligence, bringing them into dialogue with the vision of the human person presented in the Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes and in Pope Leo’s recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.

The reflection will address some of the key questions facing humanity today: What does it mean to be free and responsible in a world increasingly mediated by artificial intelligence? What is the relationship between conscience, truth, and freedom? And how can the Christian tradition contribute to guiding technological development toward the authentic promotion of human dignity and vocation?

A Franciscan Perspective on Artificial Intelligence

Prof. Martín Carbajo’s participation in the course is part of his ongoing research on the relationship between technology, ethics, artificial intelligence, and Franciscan humanism.

Last August, he published in English the volume Brother Robot: Artificial Intelligence and Franciscan Humanism with Tau Publishing. The book offers a reading of artificial intelligence from the perspective of the Franciscan tradition, highlighting its particular concern for human dignity, fraternity, care for creation, and social responsibility.

The book is receiving a positive response. According to the publisher, it has already attracted considerable interest, and Prof. Carbajo is also using it in his teaching. He has furthermore been invited to present the book at a cultural event scheduled for next month.

Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese editions are currently being prepared, making the book’s proposal for a dialogue between Franciscan thought and the anthropological challenges posed by artificial intelligence accessible to a wider international audience.

The April 7 session will therefore provide an opportunity to explore, in the light of Church teaching and the Franciscan tradition, one of the most pressing questions of our time: How can we safeguard and promote what truly makes humanity “magnificent” in the age of artificial intelligence?