Welcome to Term 3 and an extra special welcome to any new members of our OLMC community. This term will have a particular focus on our Catholic identity and Mercy story, featuring our Staff Spirituality Day, OLMC High Tea (supporting McAuley for Women and Children) and whole school celebration of Mercy Day (in honour of the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy and founding of Catherine’s first House of Mercy - next year we will celebrate the 200th anniversary).
According to recent news (cf. CathNews and The Guardian), Pope Leo XIV has become the first faith leader to have his writings declared ‘AI free’ by receiving a ‘Proudly Human’ stamp, 'similar to the Australian Made or Fair Trade logo, labelling creative works including books, music, illustrations, films and even handcrafted items like jewellery as AI-free.’ That is not to say that our current pontiff is against the use of AI. In fact, his first encyclical letter – Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity): On safeguarding the human person in the time of Artificial Intelligence – has a special focus on AI. In this Pope Leo XIV does not merely talk about technology and its associated risks, but rather focuses on the relationship between faith, human dignity and technological innovation. He emphasises the need to preserve humanity within the changes and challenges of our time, and to use AI ethically and responsibly.
One section of this encyclical that speaks to those of us engaged in education, technology and young people is this:
Let us invest in education, beginning with ourselves! We all need to learn how to engage with the digital world in a human way, as an integral part of our education in the faith and in a life lived according to the Gospel. Indeed, we must consider the digital world as a new continent to be evangelised, one that requires generous missionaries who are mature in the faith. In a particular way, we need adults to rediscover their vocation as artisans of education, prepared to work patiently each day, with the support of extensive and shared educational partnerships. Today, accompanying children and young people in using technology for developing responsible relationships, helping them to recognise the risks and choose what fosters inner freedom, is a concrete form of charity and will safeguard their dignity. Teaching new generations that technological evolution does not follow a predetermined path, but can be guided by personal and collective responsibility, constitutes one of the most valuable services to the common good. (para. 238)
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are changing the way we work, communicate, learn, build relationships, and even understand ourselves. As Christians, we are called to be builders of communion, artisans of peace and weavers of hope, even in the digital age, and to live this time with discernment, hope and responsibility. Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical encourages the rediscovery of our ‘magnificent humanity’ and the fostering of a civilisation of love, so that every innovation may be illuminated by the Gospel and oriented toward the common good.
If you would like to read this encyclical in full, you can access the English version here. You might also appreciate reading this summary or accessing this pastoral kit.
