The Catholic Union is delighted to announce that it will be holding a webinar on Monday 19 October at 6.00pm to explore how AI can enhance human experience rather than lessen it. Chaired by Catherine Pepinster, well known journalist, attendees will hear from Fr Michael Baggot (Associate Professor of Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum), Andrea Cabanas (Chair of Catholics in Tech)and Sam Monaghan (Chief Executive of Methodist Homes Association).
Earlier this year Pope Leo released his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, addressing the rise of Artificial Intelligence and the need for technology to serve human dignity and the common good rather than driving inequality or replacing human conscience. This webinar will draw on the practical applications of the encyclical.
Catherine Pepinster, Journalist, says: “I am looking forward to the discussion with our excellent range of speakers to bottom out the positive aspects of AI in terms of human experience. Our discussion will draw on practical examples with experts from health and social care, tech and bioethics”.
The Catholic Union’s recently established Tech Group, to which all members are welcome to join, enables lay Catholics to have a platform where the effect on society of the ubiquity of AI can be discussed. The group aims to identify how to add value and expertise in the realm of technology and how AI can be in the service of the common good while cognisant of the possible perils.
Those wishing to register for the webinar on Monday 19 October at 6.00pm please email info@catholicunion.org.uk and a zoom link will be provided. Booking is essential.
- Father Michael Baggot is an Associate Professor of Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum and an Invited Professor of Theology at the Angelicum. He was recently a Visiting Scholar of the Institute for Human Ecology at the Catholic University of America. In addition, Baggot is a Research Scholar at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights and a member of the Scholarly Advisory Board for Magisterium AI. Baggot is the chief editor of the book Enhancement Fit for Humanity: Perspectives on Emerging Technologies (Routledge, 2022) and a contributor to the book Emerging Issues in Catholic Bioethics (Springer, 2026). His media work includes appearances on the BBC, NBC, NPR, ETWN, The Future of Life Institute, PBS, and Pints with Aquinas. Baggot is the chaplain for the EWTN Summer Academy and frequently serves as the chaplain for The Catholic Traveler pilgrimage organization.
- Andrea Cabanas is a Data Scientist, Chair of Catholics in Tech and President of Our Lady of Christendom Pilgrimage (https://olchristendom.co.uk/
- Sam Monaghan has been Chief Executive of Methodist Homes Association since 2018. He has extensive experience as a corporate director and senior operational and strategic manager within the Third and Public Sectors, in a career of more than 30 years in social care. MHA integrates artificial intelligence and digital innovation into planning, policy and operational support. This includes AI-driven policy search tools like iSPoC, automated recruitment shortlisting and chatbots, and the exploration of assistive technology.