The Vatican is racing to address the looming threat of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a superintelligent AI system that could potentially surpass human intelligence and pose an existential risk. A team of experts, including researchers and priests, has been quietly assembling a network of roughly three dozen individuals from various backgrounds to strategize how to get the Vatican's attention on this issue.
The team's leader, John-Clark Levin, is pushing for the Vatican to take AGI seriously by launching a formal scientific consultation on the subject. He believes that if the pope waits for perfect certainty on the risks of AGI, it may be too late to act and mitigate the dangers. Levin's approach is not about presenting a theological argument or advocating for specific policies but rather about providing the Vatican with a clear understanding of the science and its implications.
The Vatican has already shown interest in AI, with Pope Leo XIII expressing concerns about the impact of technology on human dignity and the common good. However, Levin believes that the current focus on AI should be more than just technological advancements; it's essential to consider the existential risks associated with AGI. He argues that thinking about AGI is not just about AI but rather a different perspective on humanity.
The challenge lies in infiltrating Vatican circles to discuss AGI, which is a complex and unique environment. Levin has attempted to bridge the gap between Catholicism and AI safety by working with institutions like the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and attending conferences where he can share his message with relevant individuals.
While it's uncertain whether Pope Leo will address AGI directly in his upcoming papal audience, Levin remains optimistic that the Vatican is more open to discussing this issue than previously thought. He believes that even a brief encounter could spark meaningful action on AGI and that further engagement may be necessary to ensure the Vatican takes concrete steps toward understanding the science and implications of AGI.
The situation highlights the importance of proactive communication between experts, policymakers, and faith leaders regarding AI safety and ethics. As AGI development accelerates, it's crucial for institutions like the Vatican to engage in these conversations to prevent potential risks and capitalize on the benefits of this technology.
The team's leader, John-Clark Levin, is pushing for the Vatican to take AGI seriously by launching a formal scientific consultation on the subject. He believes that if the pope waits for perfect certainty on the risks of AGI, it may be too late to act and mitigate the dangers. Levin's approach is not about presenting a theological argument or advocating for specific policies but rather about providing the Vatican with a clear understanding of the science and its implications.
The Vatican has already shown interest in AI, with Pope Leo XIII expressing concerns about the impact of technology on human dignity and the common good. However, Levin believes that the current focus on AI should be more than just technological advancements; it's essential to consider the existential risks associated with AGI. He argues that thinking about AGI is not just about AI but rather a different perspective on humanity.
The challenge lies in infiltrating Vatican circles to discuss AGI, which is a complex and unique environment. Levin has attempted to bridge the gap between Catholicism and AI safety by working with institutions like the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and attending conferences where he can share his message with relevant individuals.
While it's uncertain whether Pope Leo will address AGI directly in his upcoming papal audience, Levin remains optimistic that the Vatican is more open to discussing this issue than previously thought. He believes that even a brief encounter could spark meaningful action on AGI and that further engagement may be necessary to ensure the Vatican takes concrete steps toward understanding the science and implications of AGI.
The situation highlights the importance of proactive communication between experts, policymakers, and faith leaders regarding AI safety and ethics. As AGI development accelerates, it's crucial for institutions like the Vatican to engage in these conversations to prevent potential risks and capitalize on the benefits of this technology.