“Artificial intelligence will not save us. But it might help us understand who we are.” – Monsignor Paul Tighe In one of our most thought-provoking FIR Interviews to date, we speak with Monsignor Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Section of Culture of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at The Vatican, about the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence and the role of the Church in shaping global conversations around technology. As AI continues its rapid development and deployment across all sectors of society, the question of how we use it – and why – has never been more important. From concerns about algorithmic dehumanisation to the challenge of building ethical cultures inside corporations, Msgr. Tighe brings a unique voice of moral clarity and practical insight to the discussion. In this wide-ranging conversation with FIR co-hosts Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson, and guest co-host Silvia Cambié, Msgr. Tighe addresses: Why the Vatican published Antiqua et Nova, a foundational text on the relationship between AI and human intelligence, in January 2025. How AI challenges our definitions of intelligence, decision-making, and moral responsibility. The dignity of work in an age of automation and algorithmic management. How corporate communicators can foster trust, transparency, and ethical accountability in their organisations. The moral obligations of companies developing AI, and the limitations of relying solely on regulation or benevolence. Why global conversations on AI ethics must include voices beyond technologists and ethicists – including religious, cultural, and social communities. From practical reflections on professional identity and solidarity to broader insights on how we can avoid becoming de-skilled or ethically numb in a machine-paced world, Msgr Tighe offers a balanced view: not alarmist, but clear-eyed about both risks and opportunities. He reminds us that technology reflects the mindset of its makers – and that responsibility must remain human. “We must not become blindly dependent on technology. We must cultivate the wisdom of the heart.” Why This Matters For communicators, business leaders, technologists, and policymakers alike, this interview is a compelling call to think more deeply – and act more responsibly – in shaping the future of AI. The conversation offers rare insight into how