(originally printed in the Cincinnati Catholic Telegraph December issue) 

Submitted by Juan Pablo Villagrana Francisco, BA, and John D. Rudnick, Jr., Ed.D. 

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“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth” – St. Pope John Paul II 

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Faith without reason turns into superstition, and reason without faith becomes heartless. Pope St. John Paul II’s 1998 encyclical Fides et Ratio rings truer today as Catholic institutions face the increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. In a world where relativism threatens objective truth, integrating AI into Catholic higher education requires careful discernment, balancing innovation with the deep-rooted traditions of faith and reason. As AI reshapes the future, Catholic colleges and universities must ask: Do we embrace or reject this technological wave? 

The Catholic intellectual tradition suggests that AI should supplement human wisdom, not replace it. Used thoughtfully, AI has the potential to enhance the educational mission of Catholic institutions. However, if misused, it could undermine critical thinking, moral discernment, and intellectual growth — the very foundation of Catholic education. 

The current K-12 generation — often referred to as digital natives — will soon enter higher education, bringing a familiarity with AI-driven technologies. Catholic institutions must prepare to meet their needs while guiding them to use these technologies responsibly and ethically. This generation has been exposed to AI in ways only now becoming apparent, making it imperative for Catholic colleges to adapt while setting an example for ethical AI integration. The students of tomorrow need a framework that not only embraces technological advancements but also safeguards against moral and intellectual pitfalls. 

AI offers undeniable advantages in education. It provides immediate access to vast information, enabling more dynamic learning experiences. Whether generating ideas, refining arguments, or suggesting alternative problem-solving methods, AI’s ability to customize and adapt information is revolutionary. However, its risks are equally significant. AI often lacks reliable citations, context, and the sequencing needed to understand complex subjects fully. It can also introduce biases through “hallucinations” — misleading or incorrect information generated without proper sourcing. 

Pope Francis weighs in and offers insights and an exhortation with the following: “The irresponsible use of artificial intelligence leads to injustices.” Catholic institutions have a unique responsibility to engage with AI through the lens of “algorethics” — the ethics of algorithms and AI systems. The question is not whether to use AI, but how to use it responsibly. Should AI be permitted, limited, or prohibited in educational settings? AI can either enhance or undermine the educational experience, depending on the values guiding its use. When employed ethically, AI can help develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability in students. However, if misused, it risks becoming a shortcut that dilutes the value of independent thought and moral responsibility. 

As the next generation of students enters higher education, Catholic colleges must integrate AI in ways that align with their mission and the moral development of students. Parents, alongside faculty and staff, are essential stakeholders in this conversation. They entrust their children to Catholic institutions not just for academic excellence, but for moral and spiritual growth. Ensuring that AI serves this mission requires active involvement from all these stakeholders. 

Consider Thomas More University’s mission as an example: it challenges students to “…examine life’s ultimate meaning, their place in the world, and their responsibility to others through the lens of Catholic intellectual tradition.” If used appropriately, AI can be an invaluable tool in this mission, aiding in the discovery of truth and fostering deeper reflection. However, the danger lies in allowing AI to do the thinking for students, diminishing their capacity for critical inquiry. To prevent this, Catholic institutions must establish guidelines for the ethical use of AI, ensuring it serves as a supplement to human thought rather than a substitute. 

This preparation is crucial for the K-12 generation soon entering college. These students will expect AI as part of their learning environment. Catholic higher education must be ready not only to meet their technological expectations but also to guide them toward balanced AI use that fosters intellectual and moral development. AI has the potential to be a force for good, but only if grounded in ethical principles that respect human dignity and the wisdom of tradition. 

In the end, AI’s role in education will be shaped by the choices institutions make today. Catholic K-12 schools and Catholic higher education institutions must proactively craft policies that balance innovation with tradition, ensuring AI remains a tool for learning, not a crutch. AI is intended as a tool to supplement—not supplant. This unprecedented challenge demands a blend of faith and reason. By integrating AI thoughtfully and ethically, Catholic institutions can uphold their mission to educate both the minds and hearts of students. A balance is key as Catholic higher education navigates the ethical implications of AI in the classroom. 

Juan Pablo Villagrana Francisco, graduate MBA student/scholar-athlete, and John D. Rudnick, Jr., Ed.D., professor and director, MBA programs, are members of the Thomas More University community, the Catholic university of the Diocese of Covington in Crestview Hills, Ky.