Vellore Religious Study Pope’s Encyclical on Human Dignity in the Age of AI

VELLORE, November 10, 2026: Around 200 religious from across the Diocese of Vellore participated in a series of sessions on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, organised by the Conference of Religious India (CRI), Vellore, across the diocese’s vicariates from October 24 to November 7.

The sessions, held at Sacred Heart College, Tiruppattur; Don Bosco Orphanage, Vellore; and Sacred Heart Church, Polur, examined the encyclical’s vision of human dignity and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Dr Magimai Pragasam, vice-president of SIGNIS World and moderator of the international symposium on *Magnifica Humanitas* organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in New Delhi, led the presentations. Fr Henry Daniel Ambrose SDB, vice-principal of Sacred Heart College, joined the resource team for the first session.

The discussions focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on human dignity, two biblical images used in the encyclical to explain the Pope’s vision, the five principles of Catholic social teaching and practical ways of responding to the challenges of the digital age.

Participants also examined how the encyclical’s recommendations could be incorporated into their personal lives, educational institutions and apostolic ministries, particularly in addressing the influence of artificial intelligence and social media on children and young people.

Each programme included a two-hour presentation and interactive discussion. Despite heavy rains, religious from different parts of the diocese travelled to attend the sessions.

The initiative was organised under the guidance of Bishop Ambrose and Vicar General Msgr John Nicholas. Fr Deva Joe SDB, CRI Vellore president, and Fr Sathinathan SDB, treasurer, coordinated the programme with vice-president Sr Arul Arockia SCB and secretary Sr Revathi FSAG.

Participants welcomed the opportunity to study the encyclical in depth. A superior of an educational institution said the discussions had helped clarify the impact of artificial intelligence and social media on children and would inform efforts to implement the Pope’s recommendations.

A religious brother with more than 20 years of experience in institutional ministry said the sessions offered a deeper understanding of the Pope’s thinking and encouraged religious communities to adopt measures to safeguard human dignity.

Fr Deva Joe, in his concluding remarks, thanked the superiors, heads of institutions, CRI members and others who supported the initiative. He stressed that its success would ultimately depend on translating the discussions into concrete action.

The programme sought to equip religious communities to engage with the ethical and social challenges of emerging technologies while placing human dignity at the centre of their educational, pastoral and social ministries.

By Catholic Connect Reporter