(ANS – Shillong) – The new Salesian publication, entitled Human Core and Machine Code: Reclaiming Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, was launched on August 11, 2026, during the meeting of the Formation Delegates of South Asia held at the Provincial House in Shillong, India. Edited by Fr. Banzelao Teixeira y Fr. Ian Pinto, the volume was officially presented by Fr. Silvio Roggia, General Councillor for Formation.
The book brings together 15 contributions analyzing the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, as well as its implications for humanity, society, education, ethics, and faith. It also includes a foreword by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Damão and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).
In presenting an overview of the publication, Fr. Robert Pen, Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mumbai, emphasized the urgency of reflecting on artificial intelligence, as this technology is rapidly transforming human life and society. He stressed that while AI is certainly a tool, it is by no means a person, noting that it has no soul, no conscience, and no capacity to love.
According to Fr. Pen, human beings must remain at the center of technological development and decision-making processes, and AI must always be geared toward safeguarding human dignity and promoting the common good. He stated that the ethical assessment of AI should consider whether its use safeguards life, promotes truth and justice, and fosters the well-being of the poor and vulnerable.
Fr. Pen identified three main risks associated with artificial intelligence: the emergence of inauthentic relationships, the rapid proliferation of disinformation and deepfakes, and the risk of workplace injustices, increased surveillance, and the erosion of privacy.
He also emphasized the importance of formation and wisdom in responding to technological change. As AI increasingly performs tasks traditionally carried out by humans, he stated, formation and training must place greater emphasis on critical thinking, ethical discernment, interpersonal relationships, and other typically human capacities that technology cannot replace.
The publication of Human Core and Machine Code thus provided the Formation Delegates from South Asia with a timely opportunity to reflect on the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence poses for human formation. It highlighted the book’s call to engage critically and responsibly with emerging technologies while reaffirming the dignity, responsibility, and uniqueness of every human person.
Book available at www.christianworldimprints.com