Simla-Chandigarh Diocese Reflects on Evangelisation in the Age of AI

Chandigarh, September 10, 2026: About 65 priests and religious from various deaneries of the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh gathered at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Sector 19-A, Chandigarh, on September 10 for a seminar exploring how the Church can engage responsibly with Artificial Intelligence while safeguarding human dignity.

The seminar, titled “Evangelising in the Age of AI: Proclaiming Human Dignity in the Light of Magnifica Humanitas,” focused on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for evangelisation, pastoral ministry, communication and human relationships.

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Fr. Julian Pradeep, SDB, Assistant Director of Social Work at Don Bosco, Chandigarh, served as the resource person. He led the participants through a reflection on the rapidly evolving technology and its implications for the Church and society, with particular attention to human dignity, responsibility, interpersonal relationships and the Church’s mission.

Human dignity at the centre

Drawing on the vision of Magnifica Humanitas, the seminar stressed that technological progress must remain oriented towards the dignity and integral development of the human person. Participants reflected on the risks of reducing people to data, consumers or technological subjects in an increasingly digital society.

The discussions also examined possible applications of AI in education, communication, pastoral outreach and evangelisation. Alongside these opportunities, the seminar highlighted the need for ethical discernment, responsible use of technology and the preservation of authentic human encounter.

Engaging AI with discernment

Group discussions and presentations allowed participants to share practical experiences and perspectives on the emerging technology. The exchanges highlighted the need for the Church to engage AI creatively while ensuring that its use remains guided by Gospel values and a commitment to truth, compassion, fraternity and respect for human dignity.

The seminar called for an approach that avoids both fear of technology and uncritical enthusiasm. Instead, priests and religious were encouraged to develop the wisdom and discernment needed to navigate the rapidly changing digital environment and use technological tools in ways that genuinely serve people and the Church’s mission.

The gathering also emphasised the importance of maintaining the Church’s presence in the digital world without allowing technology to replace personal accompaniment, community and human relationships.

The participants expressed gratitude to Bishop Sahaya Thatheus Thomas of Simla-Chandigarh and Fr. Julian Pradeep, SDB, for facilitating the seminar.

The reflection concluded with a renewed recognition of the Church’s responsibility to proclaim the Gospel effectively in the digital age. As AI increasingly influences how people communicate, learn and relate to one another, the seminar underscored that human dignity must remain the guiding principle of the Church’s engagement with technology.

Fr. Vilfred Masih

Secretary,

Commission of Proclamation