Magnifica Humanitas: Professor Lushombo shares insights on AI and social justice in Africa

Professor Léocadie Wabo Lushombo, a Congolese theologian based at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, United States, has emphasised that the civilization of love highlighted by Pope Leo XIV in his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanita, invites active participation and discussion grounded in love, with the goal of reducing inequalities in society.

Professor Léocadie Wabo Lushombo (@Vatican Media)

Professor Lushombo, a member of the Theresian Association, underscored the importance of the encyclical’s message, which presents a positive and inspiring vision of the human person. She echoed the document’s criticism of the exploitation of the African continent and tendencies toward neo-colonialism and extractive economics. Africa, she said, does not exist merely to be mined and exploited.

AI and Its impact on Africa

In an interview about Magnifica Humanitas, Professor Lushombo, who was one of the speakers at the encyclical’s presentation at the Vatican on 25 May, shared her insights with Vatican News.

“I am in the Democratic Republic of Congo twice a year, systematically. I have observed how AI and new technologies are impacting even our rural societies in the Congo. I see just how the cell phone is creating new behaviours. I observe the power dynamics, where we in Africa, are increasingly reduced to mere consumers of whatever the tech giants offer us. What is happening is a situation of more dependency especially among young people, destruction of the environment as well as labour exploitation. This is structural sin –a propagation of injustice and harm. Besides, this technology is not free. We are the ones paying for it -when we buy data for our phones. And as colonialism does, these new technologies are also disrupting community life—the cohesion and sense of community are disappearing. People are not talking to each other, sharing thoughts, or finding solutions together. Even in the Congo, many look first to the iPhone for answers,” Professor Lushombo explained.

Local Participation

When asked about what could be done, Professor Lushombo said Magnifica Humanitas is not anti-AI. What needs to change is the mindset, the lack of accountability, and corporates ignoring of the inbuilt exploitation that comes with AI.

“So, the encyclical is already a starting point because it encourages dialogue on these issues. Let the people participate, contribute, and take responsibility. Involving local communities in constructing solutions ensures sustainability. It is the collective effort that makes a difference. Pope Leo XIV tells us to build society gradually, brick by brick, through community effort—similar to Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.”

All of this, Professor Lushombo asserts, must be rooted in love.

“What Pope Leo calls 9;the civilization of love9; means grounding ourselves in loving others, caring for our neighbours, and reducing inequalities. AI should not be used solely for profit or capital accumulation, as that widens society’s gaps and divisions,” Professor Lushombo underlined.

The Church and AI

Professor Lushombo believes the Church in Africa can play a vital role in building an ethical future. The new encyclical presents an opportunity for the Church to put into practice ongoing discussions about synodality, she said.

“The Church can facilitate community gatherings to discuss AI, media education among young people, and strengthen participation structures such as Small Christian Communities (SCCs), Justice and Peace groups—thus creating spaces where people can speak and be heard.”

Paul Samasumo – Vatican City
Source: vaticannews.va/en