The pulpits of the Basilica of Caacupé and the Metropolitan Cathedral in Asunción had as their central theme the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI). Cardinal Adalberto Martínez and Bishop Ricardo Valenzuela based their words on the message that Pope Leo XIV released for the 60th World Communications Day.
Cardinal Martínez highlighted that the great challenge of communication today is not only technological but deeply anthropological and spiritual. He recalled that the Supreme Pontiff warned that AI can offer help in many communicative tasks, but can also lead to avoiding the effort of thinking for oneself, conforming to automatic responses and superficial information that weaken critical, reflective, and human capacity.
Bishop Valenzuela warned about the risk of technology replacing essential human experiences, such as face-to-face encounters, conversation, and real bonds. “Love requires presence, I want to hear your voice, I want to see you,” he stated, questioning relationships maintained exclusively through devices and screens.
Cardinal Martínez pointed out that the challenge is not to reject technological innovation, but to guide it ethically and be aware of its ambivalent character. “It is up to us to raise our voice in defense of the human person, so that these instruments are truly allies at the service of truth, justice, and the common good,” he declared.
Both religious leaders also addressed the risks of the misuse of AI. Valenzuela expressed concern about systems that simulate human conversations, potentially generating emotional dependence and weakening authentic relationships. He highlighted the danger that a few companies or platforms accumulate control over information and influence society's interpretation of reality.
Cardinal Martínez added that news agencies and media outlets cannot allow algorithms driven solely by profit or manipulation to prevail over fidelity to truth and professional values. The misuse of AI can generate discord, denigrate people, and spread falsehoods, among other consequences.