Technology: Keeping Human Dignity at the Center of Innovation
From artificial intelligence to digital tools, Catholic Social Teaching calls for technological advancement that serves people rather than replaces them. Here's how that principle shapes the Colorado bishops' public policy priorities.
Part 10 of a 10-part series on the Colorado bishops' public policy priorities
Technology must respect human dignity, protect children and workers, and promote the common good.
The Catholic Church recognizes that scientific and technological advancements can benefit society, but they must always serve the human person and respect the dignity of every individual.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all” (CCC 2293).
Technological advancements, whether medical, mechanical or related to artificial intelligence (AI), can improve lives and create new opportunities. However, it is essential to keep the human person at the center of these developments, ensuring that innovation serves humanity rather than diminishing human dignity.
The Church's Teaching on Technology
In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (2026), Pope Leo XIV addressed human dignity and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The Holy Father considered the impact of technological advancement on human work, society, relationships and the common good. At the center of these considerations must always be the dignity of the human person. This is especially important in the advancement of warfare, where artificial intelligence introduces the risk of automating life-and-death decisions.
In short, Pope Leo XIV emphasized, no technology can replace the human person and that all technological advancements should serve humanity. To that end, he called for safeguards to protect the human person as artificial intelligence continues to advance rapidly, emphasizing that this responsibility belongs to individuals, governments and society as a whole.
The Church recognizes the potential benefits of scientific and technological progress while also emphasizing the importance of moral responsibility in its development and use. The state has a duty to regulate these industries to ensure that technology is used justly and benefits society, while also respecting the private property rights of owners and inventors.
Technology in Colorado
Technology and artificial intelligence continue to develop rapidly, with Colorado lawmakers working to establish appropriate regulations.
In 2024, Colorado lawmakers passed Senate Bill 24-205, Consumer Protections for Artificial Intelligence, to address consumer protections and algorithmic discrimination in areas such as housing, employment, health care and education.
In 2026, Gov. Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 26-189, Automated Decision-Making Technology, which replaced the earlier law with a revised framework focused on transparency, consumer disclosures and accountability in automated decision-making. The new requirements take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
This legislation represents an effort to ensure that human responsibility and accountability remain central to decisions involving personal data, employment and access to benefits.
Lawmakers also passed House Bill 26-1263, Conversational Artificial Intelligence Service Operator Requirements, establishing new requirements for AI-powered conversational services. The legislation includes protections for minors, such as disclosures about interactions with artificial intelligence and measures intended to prevent children from encountering inappropriate or harmful content.
As lawmakers continue to address emerging technology, the central concern for Catholics is ensuring that computers and automated systems do not replace human judgment, responsibility and interaction.
Putting the Church's Teaching into Practice
For Catholics, discussions about technology should focus on what best serves society and promotes human flourishing.
In everyday conversations, Catholics can recognize the benefits of technological advancement while also discussing the potential harms of dehumanization. Particular attention should be given to protecting minors from harmful digital content and safeguarding individuals from technology that could damage their reputations, relationships and future opportunities.
Catholics can also remind others that growth and community come from human-to-human interaction, not simply words or videos on a screen.
When engaging with lawmakers, Catholics should share their own experiences with technology and explain how policies affect individuals, families and workers. Arguments should focus on human dignity, scientific understanding and the potential harm to the environment and to workers when technology is not centered on the human person.
Ultimately, technology must serve people, not replace them or reduce their human value. Computers cannot make ethical choices in the same way human beings can, and human judgment and responsibility must remain central to their use.
For Catholics, responsible technological advancement means ensuring that innovation protects human dignity, serves the common good and never replaces the real human relationships and communities that allow people to flourish.
