Clergy Explore Role of Artificial Intelligence in Church Ministry at Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur, August 28, 2025: The Diocese of Chikmagalur organised a one-day seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and its Relevance for Pastoral Ministry” for the clergy on 27th August at St. Joseph’s School, Cathedral Campus, Chikmagalur. The seminar aimed to help the clergy understand the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today’s world and to explore how it can be effectively integrated into the Church’s mission, particularly in the areas of pastoral care, evangelisation, and administration.

The sessions were led by two distinguished experts from St. Aloysius Deemed-to-be University, Mangalore. Mr. Royal Praveen D’Souza, an Assistant Professor with 12 years of experience, specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Management Systems and Dr. Reji P. John, Assistant Professor of Economics. 

Together, they delivered comprehensive presentations on the foundations of AI and its applications across various sectors. They highlighted how AI-driven tools and digital systems can support the Church by enhancing pastoral administration, improving communication with the faithful, and streamlining parish management. The sessions also emphasised the new opportunities AI offers for evangelisation through digital platforms, while underlining the importance of ethical discernment to ensure that technology always serves human dignity.

The seminar proved to be an enriching and thought-provoking experience. It enabled the clergy to recognise the potential of Artificial Intelligence as a valuable tool to support and strengthen pastoral ministry, while reaffirming that the essence of the Church’s mission continues to rest on human touch, compassion, and spiritual discernment.

Fr. Anil Lobo and Fr. Alwyn Joe

Commission for Communication and Media

Diocese of Chikmagalur