Posted On: 27 August, 2026

Theological Symposium on the Human Person in the Age of AI: Reception of Magnifica Humanitas

Don Bosco Theological Centre (DBTC), Kavarapettai, Salesian Province of Chennai hosted a symposium on “The Human Person in the Age of AI: Reception of Magnifica Humanitas” at The Citadel, Kilpauk, on 27 August 2026. Held three months after the encyclical’s publication, the event explored its vision of the human person amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence. It brought together 150 participants, including experts in theology, philosophy, moral theology, education, politics and social communication, along with students, formators, religious and young people.

The keynote address, delivered by Rev. Dr. Sahayadas Fernando SDB, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome, examined the encyclical’s context and relevance, emphasizing the need to safeguard human dignity in the age of AI. Rev. Dr. Donald Michael presented the anthropological perspective, reflecting on the human person as created in God’s image and endowed with reason, freedom, relationality and transcendence. Rev. Fr. James Kumar CSsR addressed AI through Catholic Social Teaching, focusing on justice, labour, inequality, surveillance, algorithmic decision-making and the common good. Rev. Dr. Varan Vardhan explored AI’s educational, political and socio-cultural implications in the Indian context, particularly for Gen Z. Rev. Sr. Thimena Celine FMA highlighted responsible innovation, digital literacy, accountability and the role of technology in serving humanity.

 

The programme was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. John Alexander SDB, Vice Provincial of Chennai, following the welcome by Rev. Dr. John Richard SDB, Principal of DBTC. Through presentations and discussion, the symposium encouraged dialogue between faith, human dignity and technological progress. It concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Dr. Lourdusamy SDB, Registrar of DBTC and the coordinator of the symposium.