It is the website DW that reveals to us, in a video, an innovation within the church of Lucerne, Switzerland. It highlights an artificial intelligence created specifically to help the faithful with their concerns and needs, through a virtual Jesus powered by AI.
The project, named Deus In Machina, inspires as much wonder as it does perplexity. Opinions are divided, but one thing is certain: no one remains indifferent, and many come to see this AI-powered hologram in this small Swiss church.
Everything is done with simplicity: a screen depicting the face of the Lord is installed in a confessional. The faithful can thus come to ask questions or talk about problems they face in their daily lives. The AI responds thanks to its training, during which it memorized the Bible as well as theological and magisterial data. This project was designed in collaboration between an AI developer and theologians from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences. The latter explained that the main objective was to start a debate: does AI have a place in the Church? Can it truly offer complementary pastoral help, especially in a dechristianized world where vocations are scarce and the number of priests is drastically decreasing?
From my point of view, I am tempted to say yes, but with caution. AI is an excellent tool; I use it myself for evangelization, to help write articles, to correct, to translate, and many other things. However, it is essential to always verify the information it provides, especially when one does not already know the answer. One must not take the words of the AI as absolute truth. It is a precious aid when one already has some knowledge of the subject and is capable of reviewing and correcting any potential errors that may slip in. It is therefore necessary to train, or at least warn, users about how AI works.
This project has also received its share of criticism. Some consider it a mere gadget. Yet, the AI is capable of speaking 100 languages, which can be very useful in tourist areas to offer information about the church, the city, or surrounding activities. Others claim to have been impressed, highlighting both the ease of use and the relevance of the answers provided.
Although the installation is temporary, St. Peter's Chapel states that similar chatbots could one day assume some of the responsibilities of pastors.
However, one point particularly troubles me: the link made between this experience and the sacrament of confession. I would rather have named this pastoral counseling rather than confession. The latter is an important sacrament, also called the sacrament of pardon, and must in no way be devalued. This involves an AI, not a real priest, responding to the concerns of the faithful.