Archbishop Eamon Martin meets Open AI chief Emma Redmond to discuss Pope Leo’s encyclical on AI
Archbishop Eamon Martin has met Emma Redmond, Head of OpenAI Ireland, to discuss Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical letter on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Magnifica Humanitas.
The meeting took place in Ara Coeli, the Archbishop’s residence in Armagh.
Ms. Redmond was accompanied by Derek Nolan, who is the Policy and Partnerships Lead for Ireland and the Nordics at OpenAI Ireland.
Magnifica Humanitas: On the Protection of the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, Pope Leo’s first encyclical, was published in May.
Following its appearance Archbishop Martin invited leaders in public life, technology, education and business, healthcare, research, and of faith communities, to give ‘careful consideration to the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity, and to do so with seriousness and courage’.
Archbishop Martin said: “I am grateful that OpenAI Ireland met with me to discuss the Holy Father’s encyclical letter at this time when humanity stands at a ‘historic crossroads.’
"I feel that our discussion was fruitful especially in the context of the onus and responsibilities held by governments, companies and citizens in the ethical shaping of artificial intelligence on the island of Ireland, and universally.
"We agree that the common good of humanity can best be served by defending the dignity of workers and of every human person, especially the most vulnerable among us.”
Ms. Redmond said: “I welcome Archbishop Martin's engagement and his reflection on how AI can serve human dignity and the common good. OpenAI strives to ensure that advanced AI benefits everyone.
"We believe AI should expand people’s capabilities, not replace human judgment about what matters; be developed safely and responsibly; and create opportunities whose benefits are widely shared.
"Discussions like these are an important part of ensuring the development of AI is informed by a broad and inclusive range of perspectives and always focused on serving people and society.”
In Magnifica Humanitas Pope Leo warned that truth, work and freedom are vulnerable to the effects of untrammelled AI. He also raised concerns about the use of AI by the military.
OpenAI’s generative AI machine learning tool ChatGPT, which was released in November 2022, helped propel a worldwide AI boom.
The company’s Chief Finance Officer Sara Friar, who was not at the meeting and is based in the US, is originally from Sion Mills.