Santiago de Compostela will host a seminar on November 6th and 7th that promises to be a turning point in the debate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) from an ethical and human perspective. Organized by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela, the event, “Ethics and AI: Does it Change or Transcend the Person?”, will bring together business leaders, executives, professionals, and church representatives at the Hospedería San Martín Pinario to reflect on the impact of this technology on human dignity, values, and identity.

Following the success of previous meetings focused on business ethics, the common good, and sustainability—such as the “Meeting of Catholic Business Leaders. Holy Year 2021-2022” and the “Second Meeting of Business Leaders. Ethics. Common Good. Sustainability”—this edition delves into one of the most pressing issues of our time. “Are we facing a tool that will enhance human capabilities, or is there a risk that it will become a force that redefines our identity and fundamental values?” asks the program, which seeks to align the advancement of AI with principles of justice, sustainability, and the common good.

The seminar will be structured over two intensive days. On Thursday, November 6, it will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Santiago Cathedral with the Pilgrim’s Mass, followed by a concert at 8:45 p.m. in the Church of San Martín Pinario: Mozart’s Requiem, performed by the Orfeón Terra a Nosa (50 voices), the Orquesta Terra a Nosa (14 musicians), and soloists such as Aida López (soprano), Julia Portela (mezzo-soprano), David Ferreiro (tenor), and Pablo Nieves (bass), under the direction of Luis Martínez. The program also includes works such as Giovanni B. Martini’s “Magnificat in C minor” and the “Requiem KV626” in Spengel’s version.

The main session on Friday, November 7, will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Institutional Opening Ceremony. At 10:00 a.m., philosopher Adela Cortina, Professor Emerita of Ethics and Political Philosophy at the University of Valencia and member of the Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, will deliver the keynote address, “Ethics and Ideology in AI.” This will be followed by presentations on the development of AI in Spain: Senén Barro (“AI Development: Where to?”), Amparo Alonso (“Spanish Strategy”), Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras Ballell (“Governance and Regulatory Models”), and Ulises Cortés (“Education, Knowledge, Values”).

After a break at 12:00 PM, the dialogue “The Church and AI” will take place at 12:30 PM, featuring Archbishop Francisco Prieto of Santiago, American theologian Alberto Embry (participating remotely), and Father Ricardo Mejía, moderated by José Ramón Amor Pan, director of the Pablo VI Foundation. The climax will arrive at 1:10 PM with the debate “AI: Person, Responsibility, Regulation, Globalization,” which will bring together Cortina, Barro, Alonso, Rodríguez de las Heras, Cortés, and Mejía, moderated by Eladio Dapena of the Intercontinental University of Business. The event will conclude at 2:15 PM.

Among the speakers are prominent figures such as Cortina, who coined the term “aporophobia” and holds honorary doctorates from eight universities; Senén Barro, scientific director of CiTIUS and former rector of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC); and Ricardo Mejía, author of books such as “Thinking about Artificial Intelligence” and an expert in transhumanism. The event is organized by the Archdiocese, with support from institutions such as the Xunta de Galicia (Regional Government of Galicia), Abanca, the Provincial Council of A Coruña, and the Santiago Chamber of Commerce.

Those interested can register via the form https://forms.gle/KjZfkPxaiAza1XXV7 or by sending an email to [email protected], indicating the days of attendance, name, email address, organization, and telephone number. Contacts: Foro Hernández (609 104 064, [email protected]) or Karen Wernink (659 951 871).

This forum not only continues the Archdiocese’s tradition of ethical reflection, but also positions itself as an essential space for imagining a future where AI transcends human well-being without compromising its essence. A vital dialogue between faith, business, and technology.