We’re delighted to share that a new interview in our FIR Interviews podcast will feature a timely and thought-provoking conversation with Monsignor Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Section of Culture at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education.

Monsignor Tighe has played a central role in shaping the Church’s thinking on artificial intelligence and its broader societal impact. He was instrumental in the development of Antiqua et Nova, the Vatican’s note on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence, published in January 2025.

Antiqua et Nova reflects on AI in light of Christian anthropology, emphasising the distinctiveness of human intelligence, the ethical responsibilities tied to technological development, and the Church’s mission to guide AI towards the common good. You can read the complete text in English and other languages.

This interview will be hosted by Shel Holtz and me as usual. We’ll also be joined by Silvia Cambié as a guest co-host. Silvia brings not only deep experience in international communication but also a keen interest in the intersection of faith, society, and the role of communicators. She was instrumental in securing this interview for FIR.

The Church takes a prominent role in the AI debate: Why it matters

We’ve long shared views on the importance of institutions like the Church speaking clearly about technology’s ethical implications – particularly at a time when generative AI is reshaping everything from work to relationships to identity itself.

Our goal for this conversation is to explore the core message of Antiqua et Nova and what it means for communicators, leaders, and citizens alike. We’ll ask Monsignor Tighe about:

• What makes human intelligence distinct in the age of machines and algorithms
• The ethical responsibilities of those designing and deploying AI
• The impact of AI on dignity, justice, and the workplace
• The Church’s unique role in the global conversation on technology and humanity

The themes we’ll explore reflect concerns that Silvia, Shel, and I have each been thinking about in different ways – from the role of technology in shaping human dignity, to the ethical responsibilities of those who build and use AI. While we come from different faith backgrounds, what unites us in this conversation is a shared belief in fairness, openness, and the importance of putting people, not just progress, at the centre of innovation.

The interview will be recorded later this week and is planned to be published on 23 July 2025. [Update 23 July:] A scheduling change meant that the recording took place on 22 July.

The four of us recording on Riverside on 22 July. L-R: FIR co-hosts Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson, Monsignor Paul Tighe, and guest co-host Silvia Cambié.

The interview will be published on Tuesday, 29 July.

Don’t miss it – subscribe to FIR Interviews to get the episode as soon as it’s available.

About Neville Hobson

Neville Hobson is a communicator, social strategist, consultant, digital change agent, writer, and podcaster. He is co-founder and co-host of the 'For Immediate Release' podcast. Since 2000, his career has focused on working with organisations globally to help them leverage his experiences, knowledge and subject-matter expertise of social networks, social media marketing, analytics and insights reporting, to create and build foundations for authentic engagement and to expand online reach and influence. Full bio