In the heart of the global tech industry and AI innovation, a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Seattle University graced the city of Seattle this summer. Father Paolo Benanti, a prominent expert in the field of AI ethics, advisor to Pope Francis on AI, the scientific director of the RenAIssance Foundation, advocate for the Rome Call for AI Ethics and a member of the UN Advisory Body on AI, traveled back to the Emerald City. His mission this time? To engage in profound dialogues about the ethical implications of AI and its role in our society, translating institutional leadership into congregational and grassroots participation.
During the inaugural Ethics and Tech Conference at Seattle University last year, attendees heard from various experts in technology and AI, with discussions focusing on their ethical implications. Among the speakers was Father Benanti; his visit this year was a purposeful endeavor aimed at not only fostering a meaningful discourse on AI ethics with a wider audience but also bridging many “unlikely pairs” coming together to reflect on shared challenges and opportunities. His initial visit took him to Microsoft, the renowned technological behemoth famed for its advancements in AI. Members of the tech community including those affiliated with Catholics at the Microsoft Employee Network convened to listen to a dialogue between Fr. Benanti and Brad Smith, President of Microsoft. The focus of their conversation was the ethical and social repercussions of AI, highlighting a shared objective between two of the most influential business and religious entities worldwide to ensure AI serves the good of all people.
At Seattle University in 2024, where Fr. Benanti supports SU’s Ethics and Technology Initiative (ETI), his thought leadership was evident. Along with the newly appointed head of ETI and a number of heads of Seattle U departments, Fr. Benanti delivered webinars and engaged with conversations on AI ethics, both virtually and in-person. The hosting departments, lead faculty members, and invited panelists at these opportunities represented the interdisciplinary and global nature of AI ethics conversations in which Fr. Benanti has been involved.
Fr. Benanti’s visits extended beyond the business and academic communities. From August 12-15, he delivered a keynote speech and engaged with conversations with leaders from the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at the AI and the Church Summit held at the Epiphany Church in Seattle. Those leaders and attendees also visited Microsoft. At the Church Summit, Fr. Benanti shared his insights on AI ethics, drawing from his rich experience as a papal adviser and his academic expertise, connecting AI technology and faith communities. Among them were Seattle-based AI and Faith’s founding members, board members, and advisors whose visionary interfaith collaborations have been instrumental in the success of the Church Summit.
The journey of Fr. Benanti to Seattle went beyond mere meetings and dialogues. It served as a catalyst for thought leaders across industry, religious groups, and the broader community to reflect on the moral aspects of their endeavors and AI utilization in everyday living. His message was unequivocal: AI must be developed and implemented in ways that honor human dignity, encourage societal benefit, and minimize detrimental effects. His presence shone as a source of moral orientation amid the swift advancement of AI in a city renowned for profoundly influencing global tech innovation and dissemination, engineering, and e-commerce. Fr. Benanti’s time in Seattle sparked profound contemplation among many “unlikely pairs.”
Communal dining is a representation of familial bonds and divine connections in various religions and cultural practices. Fr. Benanti had opportunities to share meals with diverse individuals throughout his time in Seattle. I had the honor of sharing supper with Fr. Benanti at an AI and Faith regional group event. His presence in the evening underscored the significance of individual and collective journeys that brought us to Seattle. Observing the vapor trails left by airplanes in the picturesque summer evening sky, we engaged in a succinct dialogue about the engineering principles that enable aircraft to ascend and take flight. It was a moment of spiritual reflection and discernment for me. It reminded us of the necessity of paralleling our push for technological progress with a commitment to foster societal improvement, minimize detrimental effects, and uphold moral principles.
