“Antiqua et Nova” (2025) and the Vatican’s View on AI: A Theological-Anthropological Reflection 10/11/25

In January 2025, the Vatican published Antiqua et Nova: Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence which presents a theological-anthropological reflection on artificial intelligence (AI) within the Christian tradition. The document explores the nature of human intelligence, differentiates it from artificial intelligence, outlines opportunities and risks of AI deployment in fields such as education, labour, healthcare, and warfare, and frames normative guidance for technology’s service to human dignity and the common good. This post summarises the key arguments of the Note, analyses its anthropological and ethical foundations, and draws out implications for education and policy.

1. Introduction

In a time of rapid expansion of AI technologies — including generative models and autonomous systems — the Catholic Church has articulated concerns about anthropological, ethical, and societal dimensions. The Note Antiqua et Nova emerges against this backdrop as a timely intervention. According to its opening lines, “with wisdom both ancient and new … we are called to reflect on the current challenges and opportunities posed by scientific and technological advancements, particularly by the recent development of Artificial Intelligence (AI).” (Vatican)

The document underscores that human intelligence is a gift rooted in creation (Gen 1:27) and thus any reflection on AI must start from “an integral vision of the human person.” (Vatican)

2. Differentiating Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence

A major theme of Antiqua et Nova is the distinction between human intelligence (HI) and artificial intelligence (AI). The document argues that while AI may simulate certain cognitive operations, it cannot replicate the full scope of human rationality, will, affectivity, embodiment, moral freedom, relationality and transcendence. (Vatican)

Key points include:

  • HI involves knowing and understanding, but also willing, loving, choosing, desiring — capacities rooted in a personal subjectivity created in God’s image. (Vatican)

  • AI is a product of human intellect: “AI should not be seen as an artificial form of human intelligence, but as a product of it.” (Vatican News)

  • The functional-reductionist risk: If intelligence is defined only in terms of information processing or task-performance, one risks equating humans and machines, thereby undermining human dignity. (Word on Fire)

By clarifying these anthropological foundations, the Note grounds its subsequent ethical and pedagogical reflections.

3. Opportunities and Risks of AI in Human Life

The Note discusses multiple domains where AI impacts human life — and where the Church’s reflection is necessary. Some key areas:

3.1 Education

AI offers possibilities such as expanded access, personalised feedback, adaptive learning. The Note however warns: “Many programmes… merely provide answers instead of prompting students to arrive at answers themselves or write text for themselves; which can lead to a failure to develop critical thinking skills.” (Permanent Mission of the Holy See Geneva)
It emphasises that education must nurture freedom, relational intelligence and moral formation, not just efficient task completion.

3.2 Labour, Economy and Work

While AI may boost productivity, the Note cautions that current approaches can “paradoxically deskill workers, subject them to automated surveillance, and relegate them to rigid and repetitive tasks.” (Permanent Mission of the Holy See Geneva)
The dignity of work and the human vocation must guide technology, not be subordinated by it.

3.3 Health, Relationships, Care for Creation

AI has potential in healthcare and ecological stewardship, yet the Note raises concerns about energy consumption, environmental impacts, inequality, and digital divides. (Permanent Mission of the Holy See Geneva)
Moreover, in human relationships, technology must not replace genuine human encounter: “AI is not a substitute for ‘authentic human relationships’.” (AP News)

3.4 Warfare and Autonomous Systems

One of the strongest warnings concerns autonomous weapons: systems capable of identifying and striking targets without human intervention are a “cause for grave ethical concern.” (Vatican News)
Here the Note echoes longstanding Vatican teaching on human responsibility, prohibiting machines from making ultimate moral decisions about life and death.

4. Normative Principles and Theological-Ethical Foundations

The Note draws from Catholic theological tradition, Scripture and social teaching. Some of its core normative principles:

  • Human dignity and the image of God: Because humans are created in God’s image (Gen 1:27), their intelligence and freedom must be respected; technology must not reduce persons to mere data-points or instruments. (Vatican)

  • Subsidiarity and solidarity: AI development must serve the common good, not just powerful interests or market dominations. The Note warns about concentration of AI power in few companies. (Vatican News)

  • Wisdom of heart and discernment: The Note invites reflection, asking that technological power be accompanied by moral maturity, not merely technical mastery. (Catholic Social Thought)

  • Human stewardship of creation: Technology is part of the “collaboration of man and woman with God in perfecting the visible creation.” (Vatican)

  • Primacy of human decision-making: Machines may assist, but ultimate responsibility resides with humans. The document states: “Human beings, not machines, make moral decisions.” (USCCB)

5. Implications for Education, Policy and Practice

Given the above, the Note sets out implications for how institutions, educators, developers and policymakers should engage with AI:

  • Redesigning education and assessment: Educators must design learning environments that foster critical thinking, relational capacity and moral formation. AI may assist but should not replace processes of reflection and human dialogue.

  • Governance and regulation: The document calls for oversight, transparency, accountability in AI development—especially given risks of misinformation, bias, surveillance and war. (Reuters)

  • Global cooperation and justice: As AI affects labour, wealth and resources, global justice demands that vulnerable populations not be further disadvantaged.

  • Interdisciplinary dialogue: The Church invites scientists, technologists, ethicists, policy-makers, educators and faith leaders to engage together — “with both ancient and new wisdom.” (scu.edu)

6. Discussion

Antiqua et Nova occupies a significant place in the Church’s engagement with AI. By placing the human person at the centre, the document resists technocratic visions that treat AI as autonomous or self-subsistent intelligence. It instead frames AI as a tool, a product of human creativity, which must serve human flourishing and the common good.

The Vatican’s approach is not technophobic: it recognizes opportunities for AI in health, education and care. Yet it insists on ethical vigilance and anthropological clarity. The emphasis on human intelligence’s transcendence, relationality and moral dimension offers a counter-narrative to the idea that machines might replace humans or redefine intelligence purely instrumentally.

For education specifically, the document’s call to preserve human formation, nurture critical thinking and assure relational growth is timely. As institutions adopt AI tools, the Vatican’s reflection suggests they must do so with intention, clarity about ends, and commitment to human dignity.

A potential limitation is that the document offers broad principles more than detailed operational frameworks; educators and policymakers will need to translate these into concrete strategies. Also, the reflection is rooted in Catholic tradition and may need adaptation in secular or pluralistic contexts — though many of its values (dignity, responsibility, common good) are widely shared.

7. Conclusion

The Note Antiqua et Nova provides a robust and timely reflection on AI from the perspective of the Catholic Church. It affirms that while artificial intelligence presents profound opportunities, it must always remain subordinate to the intelligence of the human person — rooted in dignity, relationality and moral freedom. As the Note states: “AI should not be seen as an artificial form of human intelligence, but as a product of it.” (Permanent Mission of the Holy See Geneva)

For educators, technologists, policy-makers and faith communities, this document offers a compass: integrate AI, yes — but ensure it serves the human person, the common good, and the flourishing of creation.

References