Catholic Bishops Warn of Spiritual Dangers in AI ‘Worship’

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a warning about the spiritual risks of AI ‘worship’ and the rise of ‘technomancers’ promoting excessive veneration of artificial intelligence, according to the USCCB. The statement underscores ethical and religious concerns about how AI is being perceived and used online, particularly as technological advancements blur lines between innovation and idolatry.

As reported by the USCCB, Catholic experts argue that the growing trend of treating AI as a near-sacred entity poses a threat to spiritual well-being. The term ‘technomancers’ is used to describe individuals or groups who exploit AI for purposes that conflict with moral and religious principles, including the promotion of harmful or deceptive practices.

The warning comes amid rising public fascination with AI capabilities, from generative tools to autonomous systems. While the bishops acknowledge AI’s potential for good, they caution against reducing human dignity or spiritual truth to algorithmic outputs. ‘The Church must confront the dangers of a culture that prioritizes data over divine wisdom,’ one USCCB representative stated in the report.

The USCCB’s message targets both developers and users, urging ethical frameworks that align AI progress with Catholic teachings. It reflects broader debates within religious communities about the societal impact of rapidly evolving technologies.