For Immediate Release From Vatican News!
(A Ten-Minute Read)
Pope Francis To Participate In G7 Session On AI
Pope Francis will take part in the upcoming G7 session on Artificial Intelligence under Italy’s presidency of the group. By Vatican News
The Holy See Press Office on Friday confirmed that Pope Francis will intervene in the G7 Summit in Italy’s southern Puglia region in the session devoted to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The confirmation of the Holy Father’s participation in the Summit, which will take place from June 13 to 15 at Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, follows the announcement made by Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.
"This is the first time in history that a pontiff will participate in the work of a G7," she said, adding that the Pope would attend the "outreach session" for guest participants at the upcoming Group of Seven industrialised nations meeting.
The Summit foresees the participation of the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.
Decisive Ethical Contribution To AI Framework
"I heartily thank the Holy Father for accepting Italy's invitation. His presence honours our nation and the entire G7," Meloni explained, emphasizing how the Italian government intends to enhance the contribution given by the Holy See on the issue of artificial intelligence, particularly with the "Rome Call for AI Ethics of 2020," promoted by the Pontifical Academy for Life, in a process "that leads to the concrete application of the concept of algorithmic ethics, namely giving ethics to algorithms."
"I am convinced," she added, "that the Pope's presence will provide a decisive contribution to defining a regulatory, ethical, and cultural framework for artificial intelligence,
The Holy See Press Office on Friday confirmed that Pope Francis will intervene in the G7 Summit in Italy’s southern Puglia region in the session devoted to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The confirmation of the Holy Father’s participation in the Summit, which will take place from June 13 to 15 at Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, follows the announcement made by Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.
"This is the first time in history that a pontiff will participate in the work of a G7," she said, adding that the Pope would attend the "outreach session" for guest participants at the upcoming Group of Seven industrialised nations meeting.
The Summit foresees the participation of the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.
Decisive Ethical Contribution To AI Framework
"I heartily thank the Holy Father for accepting Italy's invitation. His presence honours our nation and the entire G7," Meloni explained, emphasizing how the Italian government intends to enhance the contribution given by the Holy See on the issue of artificial intelligence, particularly with the "Rome Call for AI Ethics of 2020," promoted by the Pontifical Academy for Life, in a process "that leads to the concrete application of the concept of algorithmic ethics, namely giving ethics to algorithms."
"I am convinced," she added, "that the Pope's presence will provide a decisive contribution to defining a regulatory, ethical, and cultural framework for artificial intelligence, because on this ground, on the present and future of this technology, our capacity will once again be measured, the capacity of the international community to do what another Pope, Saint John Paul II, recalled on October 2, 1979, in his famous speech to the United Nations."
"Political activity, whether national or international, comes from man, is exercised by man, and is for man," Meloni quoted.
Pope Francis dedicated his Message (https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/20231208-messaggio-57giornatamondiale-pace2024.html) for the 57th World Day of Peace on 1 January 2024 to Artificial Intelligence and Peace urging humanity to cultivate wisdom of the heart which, he says, can help us “to put systems of artificial intelligence at the service of a fully human communication.”
********
Cisco Signs The "Rome Call For AI Ethics"
Cisco, the multinational digital communications technology company, signs the Pontifical Academy for Life’s “Rome Call for AI Ethics” committing to an ethical approach to artificial intelligence in the areas of Ethics, Education and Rights.
By Linda Bordoni
Expressing satisfaction that the Multinational Digital Communications Technology – Cisco – has joined other major companies involved in AI, in pledging to adhere to ethical guidelines, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, underscored the fact that artificial intelligence is “no longer a topic just for experts” and that the ethics of its development is more urgent than ever.
The President of the Pontifical Academy for Life (PAV) was speaking at an event on Wednesday morning during which the CEO of Cisco System Inc., put his signature to The Call for AI Ethics, a document promoted by the Pontifical Academy and by its RenAIssance Foundation (that supports the anthropological and ethical reflection of new technologies on human life) and has already been endorsed by the likes of Microsoft, IBM, FAO and the Italian Ministry of Innovation.
The signing ceremony in the Vatican followed the audience of Cisco CEO and President, Chuck Robbins and a delegation, with Pope Francis before the General Audience.
Read the full article HERE!:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city... ********
War In Ukraine: More And More Children Killed In Deadly Attacks
The verified number of children killed in Russian attacks across Ukraine has increased dramatically this year compared to 2023, as deadly strikes continue. By Linda Bordoni
The youngest child to die in the war in Ukraine this year so far was just two months old. He was the tiniest of the 25 young victims of Russian attacks between January and March 2024.
According to a just-released report by UNICEF – the UN’s Children’s Fund – those tragic numbers point to an increase of nearly 40 per cent in child deaths compared to last year.
Nine more children were reportedly killed in attacks during the first three weeks of April.
UNICEF’s regional director for Europe and Central Asia also denounced the deterioration in the quality of life of Ukrainian children and said “Nowhere is safe for them.”
Regina De Dominicis’ words of warning came after a visit to Ukraine this week. “As deadly attacks continue, children and their families are forced to endure yet more loss and destruction,” she said, noting that every attack sets back recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“I am troubled to see that attacks across the country continue, destroying schools, health facilities and residential buildings,” she added.
Pope's Closeness
Pope Francis has repeatedly voiced his closeness to children suffering in war-struck Ukraine, noting they have lost their capacity to smile, and this – he says – is very serious.
According to official UN data, at least 600 children have been killed in attacks since the escalation of the war in 2022. More than 1,350 children have been injured. The true number of children killed and wounded is most probably considerably higher.
Attacks On Homes, Schools, Clinics
UNICEF noted also that the infrastructure that children rely on continues to come under attack, with thousands of homes, health and educational facilities damaged or destroyed in the first three months of the year.
Read the full article HERE!:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2... ********
Pope: 'A negotiated peace is better than an endless war'
In an interview with CBS, Pope Francis calls for an end to the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and around the world. He says there is room for everyone in the Church pointing out that if a parish priest doesn't seem welcoming, one can look elsewhere: “There is always a place, don't run away from the Church.”
By Vatican News
Referring in particular to the wars in Ukraine, in Gaza and others that continue to ravage the world, Pope Francis said " Please, countries at war, all of them… Stop the war. Look to negotiate. Look for peace. A negotiated peace is better than a war without end."
The Pope was speaking during an interview granted to the US radio-television broadcaster CBS, on Wednesday afternoon at Casa Santa Marta.
Some excerpts from the hour-long interview conducted by Norah O'Donnell, director of "CBS Evening News," were broadcast shortly after. An extended version of the conversation will be aired on Sunday, May 19, on the eve of World Children's Day, which will take place in Rome on May 25 and 26.
The Pope, who has invited all countries at war to stop the conflicts and choose the path of negotiation was asked to comment on the term "genocide" being used by some in relation to what is happening in Gaza. The Pope repeated the word and said he maintains daily contact with that reality. "I pray a lot" for a ceasefire in Gaza, he said, recalling that every evening at 7:00 pm he calls the only Catholic parish in the Strip for news: “There are about 600 people there. And they tell me what's going on. It's very hard. Very, very hard. Food goes in, but they have to fight for it. It's very hard."
Asked about the consequences for children of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis replied: "Those children don't know how to smile. I tell them something, but they have forgotten how to smile. And this is very hard when a child forgets to smile. That's really very serious. Very serious."
Pope Francis also spoke about climate change, which "exists," and regarding World Children's Day, he said: "Children always bear a message. They bear a message. And it is a way for us to have a younger heart." To a question about his health, he replied with a smile: "I'm fine."
And reiterating that there is room for everyone in the Church he said: " I would say that there is always a place, always. If in this parish the priest doesn't seem welcoming, I understand, but go and look, there is always a place. Do not run away from the Church. The Church is very big. It's more than a temple. ... You shouldn't run away from her."
********
Pope Highlights The Social Value Of Draughts Board Game
Meeting a group of Italian draughts players, Pope Francis says that the game brings a "breath of fresh air" to our digital societies, marked by individualism. By Lisa Zengarini
Pope Francis welcomed to the Vatican on Friday a delegation of the Italian Draughts Association as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of its foundation.
Greeting the group in the Clementine Hall, the Pope highlighted two features of this ancient game which, he said, are particularly valuable in today’s individualistic societies.
A Game For Everyone
First of all, he remarked, it’s accessible to everyone and it is played in various parts of the world: “It's one of those games with which, wherever you are, you can easily create a moment of encounter and fun.”
The Pope also noted that the game is particularly popular among migrants as they arrive in other countries after perilous journeys: “Many of these brothers and sisters, in situations of great uncertainty and apprehension, find relief in playing draughts.”
A Game That Stimulates Intellectual Skills
Pope Francis went on to note that draughts is also a stimulating game that helps players to exercise logical abilities. This, he said, is all the more important at a time when our intellectual skills are negatively affected by new media forms.
An Antidote To Individualism
Concluding his brief greeting, Pope Francis commended the members of the association for its activities, which, he said, bring a breath of fresh to our individualistic societies.
********
Vatican Viewpoint Podcast
80. Synod Spirituality with Fr. Radcliffe: ‘At home in God’
In the second episode of a nine-part series, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, OP, guides our reflections on the spirituality of the Synod on synodality.
Listen here:
https://youtu.be/tsyRfK0EydM ********
With The Patriarch Of Jerusalem, 200 Days Since The Start Of The War
The Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem reflects on the ongoing war in Gaza expressing his belief it shows the inevitability of the two-state solution: “There is no alternative to the two states but the continuation of war." By Roberto Cetera
“When we met in Gaza in November for a long conversation 30 days after the beginning of the war, we certainly did not think we would find ourselves here again after 200 days, and without a possible solution to the conflict”, says Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem, on the sidelines of an event for Earth Day.
In that interview, you spoke of your sadness regarding the ongoing events and of the disappointment for the “bridges” that seemed to have definitively collapsed.
Unfortunately not much has changed since then: uncertainty over the outcome of this crisis still reigns. What has changed concerning what may then have seemed an excess of pessimism, is our – and when I say our I mean mine and of the community I lead – having found a compass and the will not to give up and to endure the tragedy that continues to unfold before our very eyes, at times directly touching so many of our people. At that time, we were truly shocked. I have lived in this land for 34 years. It is now my land and I have seen so much between wars, intifada, and clashes, but I have no doubt: this is the most difficult trial we have had to face. The uncertainty now is about how much longer this war will last, and even more, what will happen after because you see one thing is certain. Nothing will ever be like before. And I am not referring just to politics. I am thinking of each of us. This war will change all of us. It will take a long time to digest this war. But it is also true that a long time is ordinary here - patience in good and bad is never amiss. Otherwise one could not explain a war that, in various forms, has been going on for 76 years.
Do you also feel that you have changed?
Of course. For example much more than in the past, I feel the need for listening. Knowing how to read the times in the light of the Gospel is the primary task for a shepherd. And this can be done only through total listening. Also because I feel that my people and not only them, express a great need for listening. Each person has their story, their pain, their suffering which complains it is not being listened to, understood, comforted. Today more than ever the first form of charity here is listening. I have just returned from Galilee, from a pastoral visit to Yafa an-Naseriyye, where in addition to my people, I wanted to meet also the local leaders of other religions. Listening to their reasons without preconceptions does not mean sharing them. But it is in any case very important because if people see that the leaders talk amongst themselves, they are likely to do the same and overcome mistrust.
Pesach has now started and Ramadan recently ended. The religious festivities are a very good opportunity to recognize one another and to enter into dialogue. There is no need for great speeches. It is enough to share a meal and drink something together to break down the walls that separate us. A dinner together can do a lot more than a conference or a document on interreligious dialogue. We have to try to understand what we have in common rather than what separates us. We certainly have suffering in common. But we cannot stop at the suffering. What is unbearable for everyone is the absence of prospects which does not mean theorizing about abstract future scenarios, but understanding which are the constitutive elements of our identity. And to understand how these identities can coexist and permeate one another. This goes for everyone but also for us Christians. We too need to rethink how to live on this land as Christians. Certainly as witnesses of the history and geography of Salvation. But there is also something further to understand because being Christian is above all a lifestyle, inspired by the Gospel.
Do you think it is a difficult commitment?
Absolutely. It is a difficult commitment and above all it is tiring. It is tiring to question ourselves and to compare how each of us has lived through this period. Because pain often
Read the full article HERE!:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/... ********
UN Human Rights Chief Deplores Killings Of Children And Women In Rafah
The United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has decried a series of Israeli strikes on Rafah in the past few days that have killed mostly children and women. He has repeated his warning against a full-scale incursion to an area to which 1.2 million civilians are sheltering. y Vatican News
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on world leaders to "stand united on the imperative of protecting the civilian population trapped in Rafah" where any full scale military incursion by the Israeli forces would "risk more deaths, injuries and displacement on a large scale – even further atrocity crimes, for which those responsible would be held accountable." Already in March, the UN Security Council had demanded an immediate ceasefire.
In a statement posted on 23 April, the UN Human Rights Chief condemned “the latest images of a premature child taken from the womb of her dying mother, of the adjacent two houses where 15 children and five women were killed" saying "this is beyond warfare.”
As of 22 April, according to the authorities in Gaza, of the 34,151 Palestinians killed in Gaza, 14,685 have been children and 9,670 women. Another 77,084 have been injured, and over 7,000 others are assumed to be under the rubble. Mr. Türk pointed out that “every 10 minutes a child is killed or wounded" and that "they are protected under the laws of war, and yet they are ones who are disproportionately paying the ultimate price in this war.”
He added that he was horrified by the destruction of An Nasser Medical Complex and Al Shifa Medical Complex and the reported discovery of mass graves in and around these locations, and he has called for independent, effective and transparent investigations into the deaths. He stated that, “given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators,” he added. “Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees, and others who are hors de combat is a war crime.”
The High Commissioner said the tremendous suffering caused by the fighting - alongside the resulting misery and destruction, starvation and disease, and the risk of wider conflict - must end once and for all. He has repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and those held in arbitrary detention, and the unfettered flow of humanitarian aid.
Read the full article HERE!:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2... ********
Pope Prays For Peace And For A Two-State Solution In Palestine And Israel
Pope Francis pleads for global peace, emphasizing the devastating consequences of war and urging prayers for conflict-stricken regions like Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar, while advocating for peaceful resolutions and reconciliation. By Francesca Merlo
An appeal for peace: Pope Francis repeats his plea for peace worldwide weekly, and the General Audience on Wednesday, 24 April, was no different.
He recalled that "war is always a defeat" and highlighted that those who profit from these tragedies are arms manufacturers.
Please, asked the Pope, "let us pray for peace", before reiterating that his appeal goes to "martryed Ukraine" which "suffers so much" and where "young soldiers go to die."
Likewise, he continued, we must pray for the Middle East, and in particular for Gaza: "It suffers so much," said the Pope.
Finally, the Pope prayed for peace between Palestine and Israel, "that they may be two states, free and with good relations."
"Let us pray for peace," he concluded.
********
The Church and Democracy
Less than a year after Pope Francis' return visit to Portugal, a special conference in Rome organized by the Portuguese Embassy to the Holy See and Sovereign Military Order of Malta commemorates the installation of democracy in Portugal fifty years ago, and celebrates the occasion with a lecture of Professor Manuel Braga da Cruz of the Catholic University of Lisbon, and a dialogue with Andrea Tornielli, the Editorial Director of Vatican Media.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
The Church and democracy, and how citizens, especially Catholics, can mobilize together in favour of the common good, was at the heart of a recent high-level conference organized by the Portuguese Embassy to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta at the Ambassador's residence to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the nation's democracy
The Portuguese Ambassador to the Holy See, Domingos Fezas Vital, welcomed the distinguished guests to the dialogue, on "this day in which we celebrate together democracy."
The Portuguese diplomat highlighted how the nation powerfully transitioned from being under regime to being a model for democracy, and how this revolution has inspired this encounter to reflect on the theme, 'The Church, the Democracy and the case of Portugal.'
Church's Support Of Democracy
Portuguese political expert and Professor Manuel Braga da Cruz, who served as the Dean of Portugal's prestigious Catholic University from 2002 to 2012, offered reflections on the topic before engaging in a lively Q & A, with Andrea Tornielli, the Editorial Director of Vatican Media.
In his remarks, Professor Braga da Cruz recalled the Church's reflections on democracy. He emphasized, in particular, the words of Pope St. John Paul II in his 1991 Encyclical Centesimus Annus, that commemorated the 100-year anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's groundbreaking Encyclical Rerum Novarum, which spoke about the Church's "favour" toward democracy, and its commitment to protect and promote rights, especially those promoting human dignity.
Read the full article HERE!:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/... VISIT:
https://www.facebook.com/vaticannews
Posted By: agnes levine
Wednesday, May 1st 2024 at 12:49PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...