MANILA (Licas News): Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David of Kalookan urged the faithful to reflect on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence [AI] and the potential impact on human intelligence in his homily for the Feast of the Santo Niño on January 18.
Cardinal David highlighted the need to safeguard the distinct qualities of human creativity, moral discernment, and spirituality in the face of technological progress.
“Even the Son of God had to undergo the normal human process of learning, reminding us that true wisdom begins with humility and a willingness to ask questions,” the cardinal observed.
Drawing from the Gospel of Luke [Luke 2:41-52], where Jesus stayed behind in the temple to learn from the teachers, he underscored the value of rational intelligence, which grows through active engagement and dialogue.
“Jesus showed us that rational intelligence grows not just by knowing answers, but by listening, questioning, and engaging with others,” he noted.
Cardinal David then shifted focus to emotional intelligence, highlighting how Jesus’ interaction with his parents after being found in the temple illustrated the importance of empathy and obedience.
“Emotional intelligence means learning not just what is right but how to be considerate and empathetic toward others, even when we think we know better,” he explained.
On spiritual intelligence, the cardinal reflected on Jesus’ statement, “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” [Luke 2:49], and its deeper implications.
“True spiritual intelligence is not about having all the answers; it is about learning to wait, to reflect, and to trust in God’s timing,” he said, pointing to the example of Mary, who pondered these events in her heart.
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The cardinal expressed concern over the growing influence of AI in everyday life, particularly in shaping human behavior through social media algorithms.
“While machines may learn to mimic our intelligence, they can never possess the essence of human creativity, emotions, or moral discernment,” he noted.
Citing his own experience of engaging with an AI-powered generative app, Cardinal David noted its limitations.
“If we surrender our natural intelligence to artificial systems, we risk losing what makes us truly human,” he said, adding that AI lacks free will and can be manipulated for harm depending on its programming.
The cardinal also warned against the potential for AI to condition beliefs and decisions without people realising it. “Technology can condition how we think and believe, but it is our responsibility to ensure that human creativity and morality remain at the centre of progress,” he stressed.
Cardinal David urged people to nurture harmony among the three dimensions of human intelligence—rational, emotional, and spiritual.
“In an age dominated by artificial intelligence, we must actively nurture the harmony of our rational, emotional, and spiritual intelligence to safeguard our humanity,” he said.
