Catholic Leaders Appraise AI's Role in Church at National Conference in Lagos
The Catholic Men Organisation Nigeria (CMON) convened its Biannual National Conference and Third Annual General Meeting in Lagos last Saturday, focusing on the profound implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Catholic Church. The event, themed "AI And the Catholic Church: Facts, Fate And Implications," was held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ojota, Lagos, attracting members from ecclesiastical provinces across Nigeria, including Owerri, Onitsha, Ibadan, Abuja, Benin, Kaduna, Calabar, Jos, and the host city, Lagos.
Archbishop Martins Emphasizes AI's Pervasive Influence
In his address, the Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, underscored that AI is no longer a distant concept to be ignored, as its impact has permeated all aspects of human life, from communication and commerce to healthcare, governance, and religious engagement. Represented by the Lagos Provincial Chaplain of CMO, Very Rev. Fr. David Kehinde Akala, Martins urged Catholic men, family heads, and society at large to comprehend both the technological facts of AI and its deeper moral and spiritual consequences.
He referenced church teachings, noting that "human creativity and technological progress are in harmony with God’s plan when ordered towards authentic human flourishing," as affirmed in Gaudium et Spes. Martins also cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which supports scientific research and innovation that respects human dignity. He cautioned against the "technocratic paradigm" warned by Pope Francis, emphasizing that while AI processes information rapidly, it cannot replicate love, forgiveness, or moral conscience, and should not replace sacramental life or human relationships.
Dr. Eugene Ohu Praises Church Leadership on AI
Guest speaker Dr. Eugene Ohu, an Associate Professor at Lagos Business School and Atlantic University, commended the Catholic Church for taking a leadership role in promoting the positive use of AI. In discussions with journalists, he highlighted the church's alignment with Pope Leo 14th's guidance to ensure AI does not undermine human dignity, justice, and labor. Ohu's insights reinforced the conference's focus on ethical technology deployment within religious contexts.
Call for Moral Guidance and Ethical Use of AI
Very Rev. Fr. David Kehinde Akala, the Lagos Provincial Chaplain, encouraged Catholic men not to fear AI but to guide its development with moral wisdom, upholding human dignity and gospel values. He warned that without ethical oversight, AI could exacerbate inequality, spread misinformation, erode privacy, and weaken genuine human connections. Akala stressed the need for the church to use AI ethically, protect human dignity, and guide families—especially youth—in responsible digital tool usage to avoid addiction and moral compromise.
AI as a Tool for Evangelization and Social Outreach
Provincial President High Chief John Aigbokhaode urged Catholic men, parishes, and society to seek knowledge and discernment regarding AI, describing it as a reality shaping the modern world. He noted that when used properly, AI and modern media can significantly aid in spreading God's kingdom, serving as powerful instruments for evangelization, catechesis, education, and social outreach if guided by moral truth.
Preserving Human Values in a Technological Era
Lagos Archdiocese President Barr. Kingsley Ekwem praised the conference theme for its relevance to CMO members and their families. He remarked that while AI is pervasive in daily life, it must not overshadow human nature or replace God-given humanity. Ekwem called on spiritual leaders to defend and preserve faith values in a rapidly changing world, ensuring technology serves rather than dominates human life.
National President Highlights AI's Dual Nature
National President of CMON, Prince Faith Uche Iwuorisha, explained that the theme was chosen to clarify the intersection of AI and the Catholic Church, dispelling misconceptions that AI is inherently satanic while acknowledging its potential harms. He emphasized the Vatican's supportive yet cautious stance on AI, viewing it through the lens of human dignity. Iwuorisha stressed that technology should serve people, not vice versa, and while AI enhances efficiency, the church warns against losing the dignity of work to automation, affirming AI as a tool to support, not replace, human judgment and spiritual leadership.
