The Albanian Embassy to the Holy See organized a significant conference titled “A Confrontation between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence” on May 23 in Rome. The event took placetook place within the Chapter Hall of the Italian Senate, near the Santa Maria sopra Minerva convent. Esteemed experts in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) participated, providing valuable insights on one of today's most debated topics.
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| From the left: Francesca Panessa, Blerina Sinaimeri, Paolo Benantin, Majlinda Frangaj, Domenico Talia, Manuela Tulli and Mimmo Muolo |
Conceptualized by the Albanian Ambassador to the Vatican, Majlinda Frangaj, the conference aimed to delve into the complex interplay between AI and human intelligence. The discussions highlighted how AI, if utilized appropriately, could positively contribute to various sectors of human society by supporting rather than replacing human roles.
The conference was moderated by Italian journalist and writer Manuela Tulli. It commenced with institutional greetings from Ambassador Frangaj, who expressed gratitude to Father Paolo Benanti, a professor of Ethics and Bioethics at the Pontifical Gregorian University and advisor to Pope Francis on AI and technology ethics, for his exceptional participation. Italian Senator Lucio Malan was also acknowledged for his contributions to the event.
In her address, Ambassador Frangaj emphasized that artificial intelligence is a topic of significant importance in Albania. She noted that the Tirana government is paying special attention to AI, particularly in its efforts towards European integration and the reduction of corruption.
The conference covered a range of topics, starting with ethical issues, and extending to AI’s implications in industry, science, healthcare, law, and privacy. Father Paolo Benanti provided a historical overview of AI, emphasizing the ethical and cultural regulation needed for AI. He pointed out that the true innovation lies not in the technological advancements themselves, but in their widespread adoption, which is shaping a generation immersed in the digital world. These systems are influencing interpersonal and social relationships, altering human work, and especially affecting emotional dimensions as everything becomes data-driven. Benanti warned of the "visible changes in society" and the unknown scenarios these technologies might create, even impacting national security.
Other notable speakers included Professor Domenico Talia from the University of Calabria, scientist Francesca Panessa from the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics, and Albanian Professor Blerina Sinaimeri, who teaches Computer Science at LUISS Guido Carli University. They discussed AI’s application across various fields, from commercial and industrial structures to science sectors like bioinformatics, medicine, and astrophysics. Professor Sinaimeri’s insights on future innovations and challenges in bioinformatics were particularly compelling. Additionally, journalist Mimmo Muolo from the Italian daily Avvenire addressed effective communication in the age of artificial intelligence.
The conference also featured reflections on AI from the perspective of Pope Francis. According to the Holy Father, AI should assist rather than replace mental processes. Pope Francis urges a rediscovery of the path towards fully human communication. "Only by regaining the wisdom of the heart can we interpret the problems of our time and rediscover the path towards fully human communication," he asserts in his message for the 58th World Day of Social Communications 2024, themed “Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart: For a Fully Human Communication.”