ICPA calls for journalism rooted in humanity and truth in AI era

Bengaluru, September 20, 2026: The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) has called on journalists to place humanity, human dignity and truth at the centre of journalism as artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the media landscape.

The call came at the conclusion of the 31st National Convention of Christian Journalists (NCCJ), held on September 19–20 at Paalanaa Bhavana, Benson Town, Bengaluru, on the theme “Humanity, Dignity and Truth: Journalism without Compromise in the Age of AI.”

The two-day convention examined the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and its growing influence on news production, information dissemination and public discourse. Speakers from the media and other fields highlighted the need for journalists to preserve professional standards of accuracy, verification, accountability and independent judgment even as new technologies reshape newsroom practices.

The discussions drew on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, dated May 15, 2026. The document emphasises the responsibility to safeguard human dignity, truth and freedom while ensuring that technological development serves the common good.

The convention endorsed the principle that technology should neither be demonised nor treated as an unquestionable solution, but used responsibly and guided by ethical considerations. It particularly highlighted the need for an “ecology of communication” in which verified information, reasoned argument and serious journalism take precedence over instant reactions.

The participants also examined Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, observed on May 17 under the theme “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.” The message warns that AI systems can reproduce biases and stereotypes embedded in their training data and may reinforce existing social inequalities and injustices.

Rather than opposing technological innovation, the message calls for its responsible direction through responsibility, cooperation and education. It also stresses the importance of preserving authentic human voices and faces in an increasingly technology-driven communication environment.

The convention featured discussions by media professionals and experts on the ethical and professional implications of AI. Concerns included the reliability of AI-generated content, algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability and the continuing responsibility of journalists to verify information before publication.

A book featuring contributions from around 20 media experts on the convention theme was also released during the event. The publication examines the challenges confronting journalism in the age of AI and is intended as a resource for media professionals.

The ICPA also presented its annual awards to five media professionals for their contribution to journalism.

As the convention concluded, the association reaffirmed its commitment to journalism grounded in humanity, dignity and truth, acknowledging that the rapid development of AI will bring continuing challenges as well as new possibilities for the media.

The ICPA pledged to approach these challenges with “compassion, courage and commitment,” while keeping humanity, dignity and truth at the heart of its journalism.

By Catholic Connect Reporter