Evangelizing in the Age of AI: Proclaiming Human Dignity in the Light of Magnifica Humanitas
The Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh organized a seminar for priests and religious on the theme “Evangelizing in the Age of AI: Proclaiming Human Dignity in the Light of Magnifica Humanitas” on September 10, 2026, at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Sector 19-A, Chandigarh.
The seminar brought together around 65 priests and religious from different deaneries of the Diocese. It was organized to provide an opportunity for reflection, learning and discernment on the rapidly developing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the Church’s mission of evangelization and pastoral ministry.
Rev. Fr. Julian Pradeep, SDB, Assistant Director, Social Work, Don Bosco, Chandigarh, served as the resource person.
He guided the participants through a meaningful and insightful reflection on the opportunities and challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence, particularly in relation to human dignity, interpersonal relationships, responsibility and the mission of the Church.
Drawing inspiration from Magnifica Humanitas, the seminar emphasized the inherent dignity, uniqueness and worth of every human person. The participants reflected on the need to ensure that technological advancement remains oriented towards the service and integral development of the human person, rather than reducing human beings to mere data, users or technological subjects.
The session also explored the emerging possibilities of AI in communication, education, pastoral engagement and evangelization. At the same time, it highlighted the importance of ethical discernment, responsible use of technology and authentic human encounter in the Church’s engagement with the rapidly changing digital world.
The group discussions and presentations enriched the seminar with practical insights and diverse perspectives on the use of AI. The participants shared their understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with this emerging technology and recognized the need to engage with AI responsibly and creatively, while remaining firmly guided by the values of the Gospel and the love of Christ.
The seminar encouraged priests and religious to approach Artificial Intelligence neither with fear nor with uncritical enthusiasm, but with wisdom, responsibility and a Gospel-centred perspective.
It underscored the need for the Church to remain actively present in the changing digital landscape while safeguarding human dignity and promoting a culture rooted in compassion, truth, fraternity and respect for the human person.
The programme concluded with the words of gratitude to Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh and the resource person, Fr. Julian Pradeep SDB. The participants stepped out with a renewed awareness of the Church’s responsibility to proclaim the Gospel effectively in the digital age. It reaffirmed that, even amid rapid technological advancement, the human person must remain at the centre of technological progress and the Church’s evangelizing mission.
At the end, the newly ordained priest, Fr. Ankit Xavier Kujur, was warmly welcomed by the Bishop and the priests, who extended their prayers and best wishes for his priestly ministry.
Rev. Fr. Vilfred Masih
Secretary, Commission for Proclamation
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