Artificial Intelligence and the Use of Generative AI
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (“AI") is technology that enables computers and machines to perform complex tasks that are typically associated with human intelligence. AI technology is not new. It has existed in various forms for decades, such as speech recognition software, autonomous vacuum cleaners and computer chess games.
Generative AI (“GenAI") is a rapidly evolving, newer type of AI that uses computer algorithms to generate new text, images, audio, video, simulations, code, 3D objects and other content, typically in response to a user's prompt or question.
The Archdiocese recognizes that the use of GenAI tools [some 2025 examples include ChatGPT, CoPilot, Google Gemini, claude.ai, DeepSeek, Grok and others for text creation, and Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and others for image or video creation] (“GenAI Tools") can increase productivity and foster innovation, but it is important that GenAI Tools be used in a safe, ethical, and secure manner. The use of GenAI Tools can pose risks to our operations related to data security, confidentiality and accuracy.
The purpose of this Generative AI Use (“GenAI Policy") is to provide individuals who work, volunteer or minister in the Archdiocese with guidelines for the responsible use of GenAI Tools and to minimize the risk of misuse, unethical outcomes, unintended biases, inaccuracy, and information security breaches.
Catholic Church Global Approach to Artificial Intelligence
The Catholic Church has been actively addressing the evolving development and use of AI on a global level, beginning with Pope Francis and continuing with Pope Leo XIV, who chose his name partly in response to this technological revolution.[i] The Archdiocese embraces this guidance from our Holy Fathers in its approach to the use of Artificial Intelligence.
Scope of GenAI Policy
This GenAI Policy applies to all individuals who work, volunteer, or minister in the Archdiocese and use GenAI Tools for authorized archdiocesan business purposes, including in their dealings with third-party agents and vendors, whether using an archdiocesan-issued device or a personal device used for authorized business purposes. Guidance for use of GenAI Tools by students in Catholic Schools and religious education programs is also available from those departments.
Compliance with Related Policies and Agreements
This GenAI Policy is intended to add to, not contradict, limit, or replace, other policies of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Administrative Handbook, all of which remain in full force and effect. Any use of GenAI Tools under this GenAI Policy must comply with the relevant policies, internal controls, and guidelines of the Archdiocese, including, but not limited to, the:
GenAI Tools may be used to assist in work and ministry but must always be evaluated by the user for accuracy and shall not be a replacement for human discernment. Carefully review the work product and sources of information before relying on GenAI output.
Guidelines for Using GenAI Tools
When using GenAI Tools for archdiocesan work, whether at the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, the seminary, a parish, school, cemetery, mortuary, or any other location, all individuals must:
- Use an email address that is provided by the archdiocese, parish school, cemetery, mortuary, or other archdiocesan location to log in to the GenAI Tool.
- Obtain prior approval by the person in charge if using a GenAI Tool that is not provided by the Archdiocese, parish, school, or other archdiocesan location. A work email address must be used to register or subscribe to any GenAI Tool that is used for work purposes, and the GenAI Tool must not be used for any other purpose.
- Not enter any “Restricted Information", which includes confidential, financial, proprietary, privileged, or personally identifying information, into a prompt for a GenAI platform that has not been provided by or expressly approved by the Archdiocese or the person in charge. When in doubt, do not disclose information.
- Avoid using offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content.
- Thoroughly review all GenAI Tool outputs before using or forwarding to others to:
- Ensure that they do not improperly use or disclose Restricted Information;
- Ensure that they do not contain inappropriate, offensive, biased or discriminatory content;
- Verify the accuracy of reported facts with other trusted sources.
- Understand to a reasonable degree how the GenAI Tool works, its limitations, and the applicable terms of use and other policies governing the use of work data by the GenAI Tool.
Employees are prohibited from using GenAI Tools to:
- Conduct or solicit illegal activities;
- Impersonate anyone or use another person's name, image or likeness in any way without their express permission
- Infringe the rights of others, including privacy, copyright or other intellectual property rights;
- Interfere with the performance of their jobs or of other employees' jobs;
- Do anything that violates the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Administrative Handbook
- Violate the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Acceptable Use Policy or any other communications policies https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-10
GenAI Tool Audits
The Applied Technology Department and/or locations may perform the following tasks to facilitate compliant use of GenAI Tools:
- Monitor and document all GenAI Tool inputs and outputs to identify potential issues, biases, errors, or misuse. This includes identifying the source of all data sets used with GenAI Tools and labelling GenAI Tool outputs to indicate that they were produced in whole or in part using GenAI technology.
- Keep accurate records of audits, determinations, and decisions and any communications of these to employees and third parties.
- Consult with the Office of Legal Counsel regarding any legal issues raised by or during any activities referred to in this Policy section and escalate these issues to Persons in Charge, when necessary.
Training
AI users should participate in training opportunities and expert resources to understand their use of AI, their obligations under this Policy, and to avoid creating undue risks.
Reporting Non-Compliance with This Policy
If you become aware of an actual or potential violation of this Policy, or have reason to believe that any of the following has been downloaded to or installed on the Archdiocese's networks, systems, or devices, you must promptly disclose this fact to the Applied Technologies Department, together with all relevant documents and information:
- An unlicensed GenAI Tool, if usage requires a license.
- A GenAI Tool or use that has been prohibited by this Policy.
- A GenAI Tool that is used outside of the approved manner or scope.
- A GenAI Tool that poses an identified, unaddressed security risk or contains any material defects or malicious code.
The Archdiocese prohibits any form of discipline, reprisal, intimidation, or retaliation for reporting a violation of this Policy. Report to cybersecurity@la-archdiocese.org.
Administration of This Policy
As technology is advancing rapidly, the Archdiocese may change, modify, or delete provisions of this Policy without notice. If you have any questions regarding this Policy or questions about using GenAI Tools in the workplace, please contact the Applied Technologies department at cybersecurity@la-archdiocese.org.
[i] In 2020, the Vatican hosted an event with tech leaders and regulators which resulted in the Rome Call for AI Ethics.
In his 2024 World Peace Day message, Pope Francis urged the “global community of nations to work together in order to adopt a binding international treaty that regulates the development and use of artificial intelligence in its many forms. The goal of regulation, naturally, should not only be the prevention of harmful practices but also the encouragement of best practices, by stimulating new and creative approaches and encouraging individual or group initiatives."
On June 14, 2024, as the first Pope to ever participate in the Group of Seven (G7) Summit, Pope Francis urged world leaders that for artificial intelligence tools to create a better tomorrow, “they must always be aimed at the good of every human being," and that human discernment is essential. Decision-making “must always be left to the human person" because human dignity itself depends on human control over choices and we want our culture “to be one in which everyone feels ownership for thinking through the consequences of the technology and accountability for its impacts."
Pope Leo XIV shares these concerns and made it a priority of his papacy at the outset. At a June 21, 2025, event with Italian Prime Minister and parliamentary delegations from 68 countries, Pope Leo stated “In particular, it must not be forgotten that artificial intelligence functions as a tool for the good of human beings, not to diminish them or even to replace them… Our personal life has greater value than any algorithm, and social relationships require spaces for development that far transcend the limited patterns that any soulless machine can pre-package."
On June 20, 2025, Pope Leo XIV issued a statement to the second annual Rome Conference on AI, where tech leaders from Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, IBM, Meta, Palantir, along with academics from Harvard and Stanford, gathered to discuss the societal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The Pope urged tech companies developing artificial intelligence to abide by an “ethical criterion" that respects human dignity, taking “into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually". He raised concerns about AI's impact on children's intellectual and neurological development, noting that “society's well-being depends upon their being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities… Access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence, which necessarily involves the person's openness to the ultimate questions of life and reflects an orientation toward the True and the Good."
On July 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed the United Nations AI for Good Summit, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, in a message sent by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Pope encouraged the participants “to seek ethical clarity and to establish a coordinated local and global governance of AI, based on the shared recognition of the inherent dignity and fundamental freedoms of the human person." We are living in an “era of profound innovation" where many are reflecting on “what it means to be human". Our world “is at a crossroads, facing the immense potential generated by the digital revolution driven by Artificial Intelligence… As AI becomes capable of adapting autonomously to many situations by making purely technical algorithmic choices, it is crucial to consider its anthropological and ethical implications, the values at stake and the duties and regulatory frameworks required to uphold those values." AI “requires proper ethical management and regulatory frameworks centered on the human person, and which goes beyond the mere criteria of utility or efficiency." The use of AI “must go hand in hand with respect for human and social values, the capacity to judge with a clear conscience, and growth in human responsibility." It requires “discernment to ensure that AI is developed and utilized for the common good, building bridges of dialogue and fostering fraternity," serving “the interests of humanity as a whole".
Created 2025-11-12