Artificial Intelligence expert Pat Zingo tells Catholic gathering in Ridgely, Maryland, we need antidote to AI isolation
Publish Date: 2026-03-25 10:52:00
Source Domain: thedialog.org
- Dr. Pasquale “Pat” Zingo, who earned his doctorate in artificial intelligence in 2024 from the University of Delaware, delivered a Lenten reflection on “AI and Our Faith” at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Ridgely, Maryland.
- Zingo highlighted the moral challenges posed by AI, emphasizing the need to resist its distractions during Lent, which focuses on giving attention to God rather than technological distractions.
- He cautioned about AI’s propensity to generate misleading information and its tendency to harvest and market information in ways contrary to faith, urging discernment in its use.
- Zingo suggested that AI often repeats and fails to think or create, therefore it can easily “offend justice” by using others’ work without proper attribution.
- He advocated for human engagement over reliance on AI, arguing that personal interactions and handwritten communication can combat technological isolation and serve as a form of evangelism.
- Zingo resolved to limit his use of AI tools while programming, valuing personal skill improvement and the spiritual opportunity that human engagement provides.
- The event attracted parishioners with diverse backgrounds, reflecting a broad concern about the ethical implications of AI.