By Laudato Voices | Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability | November 17, 2025
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is reshaping societies across the globe transforming how people learn, communicate, work, and build community. Amid these changes, a group of young researchers within the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) is asking a central question: How can AI uphold human dignity and serve the common good?
Youth at the Frontline of Ethical Innovation
Inspired by Pope Francis’ teaching in Laudato si’ (2015) and reinforced in Laudate Deum (2023), LYI youth are exploring the moral and spiritual dimensions of technology. These documents call for an “integral ecology” and warn against technological power detached from ethical responsibility (Laudato si’, 102–136; Laudate Deum, 22–26). https://youtu.be/n2pmH5xhDjk
“Technology must always remain at the service of people,” the youth leaders affirm, echoing the Holy Father’s appeal that digital progress must be guided by conscience and human dignity (Message for World Day of Peace, 2024).
Promoting Responsible Digital Culture
The Initiative is addressing urgent digital-era challenges, such as online safety, responsible internet use, and the formation of moral decision-making. LYI’s priorities align with Christus Vivit (2019), where Pope Francis highlights the need to help young people navigate the digital environment with freedom, wisdom, and ethical grounding (Christus Vivit, 86–90).
Africa’s Digital Future: Built by Eco-entrepreneurs and Green Innovators
LYI expresses a clear conviction:
Africa’s digital future will be built by bold eco-entrepreneurs, courageous creators, and green-powered innovators.
In line with Pope Francis’ call for local, community-driven solutions to environmental challenges (Laudato si’, 179–181), LYI innovators are developing an all-in-one digital ecosystem that aims to:
•Predict and warn communities about climate-related disasters
•Support rescue and emergency response operations
•Help individuals and small enterprises scale digital businesses sustainably
This integrated approach reflects the Church’s emphasis on empowering young people as protagonists of environmental and social transformation (Christus Vivit, 174–177).
Supporting Teachers and Students
LYI researchers are exploring practical ways AI can support students and teachers. Their approach corresponds to recent Vatican reflections urging that digital tools must remain complementary to human relationships, not replacements (Message for World Communications Day, 2023).
AI for Food Security and Climate Resilience
The initiative is also applying AI to strengthen food security and climate resilience, echoing Pope Francis’ concern for vulnerable populations facing environmental degradation (Laudato si’, 48–52). Tools under development aim to help farmers interpret weather patterns, manage soil health, reduce waste, and sustain agricultural production.
A Vision Rooted in Human Dignity
LYI’s mission reflects the Church’s vision of technology guided by ethical principles, solidarity, and the common good. Pope Francis consistently warns against “technocratic paradigms” that prioritize efficiency over human dignity (Laudato si’, 101–105). LYI youth seek to embody an alternative path—one rooted in compassion, discernment, and community.
“To Advance Humanity, Not Just Innovation”
Through research, advocacy, and education, the Laudato Youth Initiative demonstrates that artificial intelligence—when shaped by conscience and guided by the common good—can become a powerful instrument of peace, justice, and sustainable development.
Their message is clear: AI must advance humanity.
References
Pope Francis, Laudato si’: On Care for Our Common Home (2015).
Sections referenced: 48–52, 101–105, 102–136, 179–181.
Pope Francis, Laudate Deum: On the Climate Crisis (2023).
Sections referenced: 22–26.
Pope Francis, Christus Vivit: Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation to Young People (2019).
Sections referenced: 86–90, 174–177.
Pope Francis, Message for the World Day of Peace (2024).
Theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Peace.”
Pope Francis, Message for World Communications Day (2023).
Theme: “Speaking with the Heart.”
