Theology in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A New Reflection by Dr. Fernando Soler
The International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) is pleased to publish a new reflection by Dr. Fernando Soler, Secretary General of COCTI, the theological network of the Federation, and faculty member of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Chile).
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the essay entitled “Beyond the Gear: Conceptual Metaphor and Human Dignity in Magnifica Humanitas” explores the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for theology, higher education and the mission of Catholic universities.
At a time when universities around the world are seeking to understand the implications of artificial intelligence for teaching, research and society, Dr. Soler argues that theology has a distinctive contribution to make. Far from being merely a technological issue, artificial intelligence raises profound questions concerning human dignity, truth, knowledge, freedom, responsibility and the future of the human person.
Drawing on the rich intellectual tradition of the Church while engaging contemporary debates, the author invites Catholic universities to approach artificial intelligence not only as a technical transformation but also as an anthropological, ethical and spiritual challenge. In this perspective, theology can help illuminate the deeper questions raised by technological innovation and contribute to a more human-centered vision of development.
About the Author
Dr. Fernando Soler is Secretary General of IFCU-COCTI (International Catholic Conference of Institutions of Theology), the theological network of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, and a faculty member of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. His work focuses on theology, higher education and the contemporary challenges facing Catholic intellectual life. He is actively engaged in international reflections on the future of theology and its dialogue with technological, cultural and social transformations.
This publication inaugurates Humanitas, the new editorial series of the International Federation of Catholic Universities.
Humanitas is the publication series of IFCU dedicated to essays, analyses, testimonies, position papers and academic contributions on the major issues shaping the future of humanity, higher education and contemporary societies.
Open to the worldwide network of Catholic universities, the collection seeks to foster the circulation of ideas, intellectual dialogue and the sharing of experiences across continents. IFCU invites university leaders, academics, researchers, experts and practitioners from its member institutions to contribute texts that enrich collective reflection on the educational, scientific, cultural, ethical, social, technological and spiritual challenges of our time.
