CARDINAL OKPALEKE URGES SEMINARIANS TO USE AI RESPONSIBLY AT EKWULOBIA DIOCESE APOSTOLIC WORK ORIENTATION
By Obianuju Azukaego
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke has urged seminarians to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a useful aid while ensuring that it never replaces essential human responsibilities in ministry work.
Speaking during the 2026 Apostolic Work Orientation held on July 3, the Feast of St. Thomas, Cardinal Okpaleke emphasized that although AI has become a powerful tool, it must remain a servant to humanity rather than a substitute for human judgment, creativity, and pastoral responsibility.
The orientation brought together seminarians of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, alongside seminarians from other dioceses and religious congregations, who were scheduled to undertake their six-week apostolic work within the diocese.
The annual orientation provided an opportunity for the diocesan bishop and members of the diocesan curia to acquaint the seminarians with the pastoral vision of the diocese and outline expectations for their apostolic assignments.
Presenting a paper titled “We Are All on Apostolic Work,” Cardinal Okpaleke reminded the seminarians that their apostolate could only remain truly apostolic when it was carried out in fidelity to the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the Holy Father’s most recent encyclical, the Cardinal acknowledged the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in contemporary society.
He noted that AI had made it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic content from AI-generated deepfakes, stressing the need for discernment in its use.
“While AI tools are capable of enhancing learning, research, and productivity, they should never be allowed to replace the central human tasks of critical thinking, moral responsibility, authentic relationships, and pastoral care”, Okpaleke said.
The orientation concluded with the Cardinal’s blessing, after which the seminarians departed for their various parishes and apostolic assignments across the Diocese of Ekwulobia.
Obianuju Azukaego is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.