An African perspective on AI
Publish Date: 2026-05-26 15:51:00
Source Domain: www.vaticannews.va
An international Conference organized by the Dicastery of Communication and held at the Pontifical Urbaniana University last week saw panelists reflect on preserving human faces and voices, emphasizing the need to protect human dignity, identity, and creativity amid technological advancement.
By Christine Masivo, CPS
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s message on the 60th World Day of Social Communication, participants at the conference organized by the Dicastery of Communication on May 21, 2026, held at the Pontifical Urbaniana University on ‘Preserving Human Voices and Faces,’ discussed and emphasized the need to safeguard human dignity, authentic relationships, and ethical communication in the digital age.
They warned of the danger of deepfakes, disinformation, algorithmic bias, and digital exclusion, while also recognizing the positive possibilities of AI when guided by responsibility and moral values.
Enriching conversation
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming society, offering opportunities for innovation while raising urgent ethical, cultural, and human concerns.
In an interview with Vatican News, Joy Buolamwini, PhD, one of the panelists, described the conference as the most enriching conversation on AI she had attended, as it united journalists, scientists, ethicists, political experts, and communicators in one forum.
She stressed that while AI technologies are advancing rapidly, humanity still has the agency to shape their direction responsibly.
Thoughts not Bots (2026 Getty Images)
A concern raised during the conference was the increased use of AI in facial recognition systems, deepfakes, and automated decision-making.
Dr. Buolamwini warned about the rise of what she calls the “X-coded” individual, who is harmed, discriminated against, or exploited through AI systems. She emphasized that no one is immune, citing examples such as manipulated images of public figures…
