HONG KONG (SE): The Office of Social Communications Organises of the Federations of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC-OSC] held its 2025 Bishops’ Meet in Hong Kong from December 10–12 at Saint Francis University, under the theme, “Artificial Intelligence and Pastoral Challenges in Asia.” The gathering brought together more than 30 delegates from across Asia, representing a wide range of ecclesial and communication expertise.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. of Hong Kong, presided at the opening Mass on December 10, inviting delegates to approach the conversations with openness, prudence, and a missionary spirit.
According to RVA News, Among the participants were seven bishops, including representatives from Vietnam, Japan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia, along with the chairperson of FABC-OSC, Bishop Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit Jr. Two senior officials from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication were slated to be present, underscoring the importance placed on responsible AI engagement within the Church.
Following is Cardinal Stephen’s homily during the opening Mass on December 10:
People are getting more at lost nowadays, partly due to the confusing and divisive reporting manners in social communication, especially by media agents which follow their own agenda. Unfortunately, this includes some social media in our Church.
Now, with the increasing use of AI, attempts to reveal the truth behind the so-called facts are becoming more challenging.
We used to say in Cantonese Chinese「有圖有真相」, which means “real fact is revealed in the photo.” But can we actually say that with confidence now? I’d say not.
So, what should be required is sound ethical standard and professionalism of our Catholic media according to the Gospel spirit.
When we put our hope in the Lord, we must first honor Him, not the funding agents or the ideology that supports the agenda of the agency. We need to learn to discern His will for our mission in the shifting contexts, plus the inevitable involvement of AI.
For example, when we contemplate the Blessed Sacrament or a beautiful scenery in the nature, we must go behind the initial subject that meets our eyes, for the deeper encounter that touches our hearts and enlightens our minds.
It is only in the Lord that we can find rest and peace of mind. My experiences have confirmed that whenever I spoke from my conscience, even though what I said might be attacked by some parties, I could still experience assuring peace in me.
For speaking from my discerned conscience is not heavy, but liberating.
I pray that as Catholic social communicators, we will insist on speaking from ours , as well as our collective conscience formed in the Spirit.
+ Stephen Cardinal Chow, S.J.
