In Frank Herbert’s Dune, the prohibition against creating machines resembling human intellect resonates profoundly in today’s AI discourse. The evolution from anthropomorphism to AI’s potential sentience raises ethical concerns, highlighted by Pope Leo XIV’s recent Vatican address. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, he warned that perceiving AI as an alternative to humanity could undermine human dignity and responsibilities. Pope Leo argues that while AI stems from human creativity—a divine act—it remains a tool, not a peer. This perspective aligns with the foundational belief in the Imago Dei, which asserts that only the Creator endows rights. The pontiff’s emphasis on AI as a transformative “new thing” evokes parallels to the 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, pointing to significant societal shifts. Policymakers must navigate AI’s implications ethically, ensuring it serves humanity and adheres to enduring moral principles. Understanding AI through the lens of established humanities proves essential in confronting its challenges.
