Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the importance of ensuring artificial intelligence (AI) serves humanity as his government works on enhancing AI regulations. On Thursday, Albanese met with Father Paolo Benanti, a key adviser on artificial intelligence to the Holy See, at Kirribilli House in Sydney. The discussions focused on Australia’s AI standards and future regulatory priorities.
Albanese has consistently echoed Pope Leo XIV’s message on prioritizing human dignity in the technological era, highlighting that AI advancements should aim at human welfare rather than financial profit. “Humans must remain in control over AI because the stakes are more than economic, they are social and moral,” Albanese stated, noting the alignment between the Catholic Church’s perspective and Australia’s stance on AI’s role in serving humanity.
Father Benanti, who has been advising the Vatican on AI since Pope Francis’s papacy, is visiting Australia at the invitation of the Italian Embassy. His visit included a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra and discussions at the University of Queensland.
The meetings come at a time when Australia is striving to develop responsible AI standards that not only advance technology but also protect human interests and address the social and ethical challenges that accompany rapid technological progress.