The 19th century is known as the century of revolutions. If liberalism, which went so far in its pursuit of freedom as to lead to the extreme exploitation of workers, had not existed, revolutionary Marxism might not have emerged.

The 21st century, however, is also closely linked to revolutions. Indeed, it follows the century of world wars, which used the atomic bomb. The Second Vatican Council warned of the possibility of nuclear war. Almost at the beginning of the 21st century, Pope John Paul II affirmed that God had just delivered us from a third world war. Pope Francis stated that we are in the midst of a piecemeal world war. He also pointed out that we face a great ecological challenge, given our irresponsibility towards the Earth. The COVID pandemic, whether or not it was caused by a laboratory virus, brought to the forefront the possibility of a biological revolution: the alteration, completely outside the bounds of ethics, of genetic material—including even that of human beings—… One can also speak of the information revolution and the artificial intelligence revolution. Pope Benedict XVI already warned, in the face of great scientific and technological advances, that many revolutions could follow from the separation between science and ethics, made possible by a flawed conception of freedom of research. It can be concluded that humanity faces great challenges, of which we must be aware.

A great advance, artificial intelligence, is incapable of understanding its own content; it has no consciousness, no heart, no freedom. Its products are merely the result of algorithmic combinations. An artificial intelligence does only, and necessarily, what it has been programmed to do, whatever that may be, whether right or wrong, good or bad, angelic or diabolical. In this sense, it is comparable to a powerful automaton that inflexibly carries out all orders. It is understandable, then, that Pope Leo XIV said that artificial intelligence must be disarmed.

Faced with such great challenges, we feel very small. However, the small seek the hand of the strong for help. These great challenges, therefore, cry out for religion, for turning to the Almighty to resolve them.

We are God’s creatures, protected by the Father. No one loves us as much as He does. God loves us with infinite love. God has designs of mercy. Only divine mercy can limit the relentless advance of mercy. God permits evil, but He would not permit it if good could not come from evil. Everything works for the good of those who love God. Therefore, we must trust in God. In every circumstance, human beings fully live their ideal if what they do is love God. In love and trust in God lies our song, our peace, and our joy. In short, the challenges are great, but God is even greater; God holds the world in His hands. God never loses battles. Therefore, we must always be optimistic. The Lord is my strength, the Lord is my song. He has been my salvation. In Him I trust and I am not afraid, in Him I trust and I am not afraid.