Why AI Can Never ​Replace the Human Heart

Why AI Can Never

Replace the Human Heart

In recent years, we have been hearing more and more about “artificial intelligence,” or AI. This way of using computer science technology can do some remarkable things: analyze vast amounts of information, recognize patterns, translate languages, or take on repetitive tasks. These tools can be helpful, even in the life of the Church—for organizing data, creating resources, or helping us communicate more clearly. In fact, sometimes I use a very common form of AI (a program called “ChatGPT”) to help me write these columns as clearly and concisely as possible. I do this by providing the draft material I write myself, and I edit the text the AI provides to be sure it is what I want to say and how I want to say it.

 

As useful as such artificial intelligence can be, it’s important that we realize there are many things AI will never be able to do. It cannot feel compassion when someone is grieving. It cannot sit beside a hospital bed and pray. It cannot forgive, or ask for forgiveness. It cannot discern the will of God in a moment of decision.

 

Only a human heart, touched by the love of God, can do those things. Only we, as sons and daughters of God, can choose to love freely, to walk in faith, and to hope in the promise of eternal life.

 

Technology can assist us, but it cannot accompany us. True accompaniment happens when we walk with one another in love, bearing each other’s burdens, and sharing the joy of the Gospel. As Pope Francis often reminded us, we are called not to be technicians of the faith but witnesses—living, human testimonies to God’s mercy and presence.

 

As we continue our journey as pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee Year, let us remember that while tools like AI may help us along the way, it is only the human heart, renewed by grace, that can lead us to God and to one another.