From Joseph Asegba, Yola
The growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology is becoming a major concern due to its misuse, distortion of truth, and possible negative effects on human values and psychological well-being.
This caution was raised during an interactive session with journalists in Yola at Saint Theresa Catholic Church by Rev. Fr. Malachy Wache while marking the 2026 World Communication Day.
Rev. Fr. Wache explained the message of Pope Leo XIV on the ethical challenges posed by the digital age.
According to him, the Pope particularly warned against voice cloning and misuse of personal data, stressing that human voices should not be reduced to mere data points.
He urged individuals to protect their voices and use them to proclaim truth in line with Christian values and the example of John the Baptist, noting that safeguarding one’s voice is closely tied to preserving personality and spiritual integrity.
Wache further explained that the message described modern AI tools as an “all-knowing friend” carried in people’s pockets, but warned that instant answers generated by machines do not necessarily represent truth.
He said the message emphasized that while AI can process vast amounts of data, “it lacks wisdom, conscience, and the capacity to admit what it does not know.”
Drawing insight from the Books of Job 28:12 and James 1:5, he noted that the message stressed that true wisdom comes from the fear of God rather than from algorithms.
It also cautioned against turning AI into a “digital idol,” explaining that although AI can generate recipes or quote scriptures, it cannot share a meal, pray, or believe in God.
On digital communication, Wache said the message called for “digital empathy” to restore humanity to online interactions.
He explained that words typed on screens are read by real people, and that the injunction in Ephesians 4:29 against unwholesome speech applies equally to online communication.
“The statement condemned the use of anonymity online to spread tribalism, gossip, and insults, describing screens as shields for such behaviour.
“It emphasized that Christians are called to a higher standard, recognizing that everyone online is created in the image of God,” he said.
According to him, protecting vulnerable groups online was highlighted as a moral responsibility.
The message warned against posting images of children and the elderly without consent, stressing that such actions could expose them to scammers, digital predators, and kidnappers. It described privacy as both a human right and a form of honour.
He further explained that the text referenced Leviticus 19 and Psalm 127:3 to emphasize that children are a heritage from the Lord and deserve protection in digital spaces.
The message also criticized the unchecked urge to share personal moments online without moderation.
Rev. Fr. Wache said the MAIL Initiative was presented as a response to these challenges, aimed at helping children navigate the internet with gospel-based wisdom.
According to him, the initiative seeks to teach young people how to distinguish between fake and genuine content online and how to use technology for positive purposes rather than harmful ones.
The message described information as a public good and called for transparency of sources, inclusiveness, and high professional standards.
It also warned against the dangers of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation, while encouraging the responsible use of technology in promoting truth and community values.
