In collaboration with Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Pope Francis recently published a manual on the ethics of AI.  

They have established the Institute for Technology, Ethics and Culture (ITEC). ITEC is a collective aimed at fostering thoughtful discussions on the impact of technology on humanity. Essentially, ITEC serves as a Vatican-led think tank on AI ethics. 

The collective's first initiative was to release a guide, or a handbook called ‘Ethics in the Age of Disruptive Technologies: An Operational Roadmap’. This handbook is supposed to assist technology companies in navigating the ethical complexities associated with AI.  

According to Father Brendan McGuire, an advisor to ITEC, the supreme pontiff has always held a broad perspective on the world and recognizes the positive potential of technology. Silicon Valley technology executives have sought the Vatican's guidance for some time, expressing concerns about the unpreparedness for various impeding technological advancements. The idea behind ITEC was to leverage the Vatican's influential position to bring together executives from around the world. 

The guidebook covers a range of subjects, including encryption, tracking, and facial recognition technologies; it primarily draws inspiration from the ongoing race in AI development. In an introductory chapter written by Irish Bishop Paul Tighe, he reflects on his discussions with senior representatives from Silicon Valley, particularly those involved in AI and ML.  

ITEC does not claim its handbook to be a substitute for government regulations. While waiting for regulatory measures to be implemented, which can be lengthy, the institute suggests that its guidelines can assist emerging companies in prioritizing consumer well-being and ethical considerations.  

Father Brendan acknowledged the necessity of robust regulations to ensure ethical, technological practices; he believes that countries and governments will eventually implement such regulations. However, he emphasizes the role of the handbook in expediting the process of incorporating ethical considerations into the design and implementation of technology for consumers.  

The aim is to enable companies to meet the required standard well in advance. By utilizing guidelines provided in the handbook, companies can expedite the journey towards ethical practices and responsible implementation of technology.