The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Joins European Parliament Seminar on AI and Human Well-being

On June 9, the EU & International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in a seminar hosted at the European Parliament entitled "Health and Well-being in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Communities Tackling Isolation and Digital Risks."

The event brought together churches, religious associations, and philosophical and non-confessional organizations to address the growing impact of artificial intelligence on human health, loneliness, and social connection.

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For the first time, under the leadership of Antonella Sberna, Vice President of the European Parliament responsible for the Dialogue under Article 17 TFEU, the event was held not only in Brussels but also in parallel in several European capitals. This welcome new approach brings the dialogue closer to the grassroots level, where European policies are experienced and lived in everyday communities.

In Brussels, Francesco Di Lillo, Director of EU & International Affairs for the Church, spoke on the panel "AI, Health and Fundamental Rights: Implementing Europe's Human-Centric Approach." In Rome, Alessandro Dini Ciacci, National Director for Church Communication for Italy, also spoke at the parallel event, underscoring the Church’s engagement in this important conversation across multiple European settings.

AI, Mental Health, and Fundamental Rights

At the European Parliament in Brussels, Francesco Di Lillo opened his remarks addressing the EU’s human-centric approach to AI by quoting Elder Gerritt W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church: “You are not a random data point in an unfeeling algorithm. You are a beloved child of God.”

Building on this teaching that each person is a child of Heavenly Father with divine worth, Di Lillo called for a more attentive implementation of the EU AI Act, one that fully reflects its human‑centric ambition. He suggested that the EU AI Act’s risk‑based framework should be interpreted not only in terms of physical safety or technical performance, but also in light of its effects on human agency, particularly in emotionally sensitive contexts where AI systems may begin to substitute for human judgment or relationships.

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Drawing on consultations with European Latter-day Saints young adults who attended the Nexus Conference in Brussels, he highlighted a growing concern that AI, while improving systems, may simultaneously weaken the human relationships on which healthy individuals, families, and communities depend.

Concluding his remarks, Di Lillo pointed to a broader convergence of perspectives across policy and moral leadership, stressing that the future of AI governance in Europe will depend not only on regulating risks, but on ensuring that technological progress continues to serve the human person and strengthen the social fabric on which Europe’s future depends.

Bringing the Conversation to the Capitals

At the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO) in Rome, Alessandro Dini Ciacci structured his remarks around three key areas of concern and opportunity, offering actionable suggestions.

First, he highlighted the importance of reliability in AI systems, noting that users tend to consider AI outputs reliable while in reality inaccuracies or “hallucinations” are not uncommon with these technologies.

Second, Dini Ciacci stressed the urgent need to cultivate critical thinking, warning that widespread access to information does not automatically translate into understanding. In particular, he observed growing concern that younger generations risk becoming highly informed yet less accustomed to questioning or evaluating the content they consume. He suggested vesting Europe’s youth with the task of contributing to coming up with solutions to take full advantage of AI in teaching and learning while safeguarding and enhancing critical thinking.

Third, Dini Ciacci drew attention to the impact of AI and digital habits on human relationships. He pointed to the risk of increasing isolation, especially among youth, and called for concrete efforts to create accessible alternatives that foster in‑person interaction—such as sports, music, and cultural activities—so that AI does not become the go-to remedy for lack of better, healthier alternatives.

The Church and AI

The seminar reflected a conversation the Church has long cared about. AI's expanding presence in daily life carries real promise, but also real challenges — for individuals, for families, and for communities. Questions of isolation, digital well-being, and human dignity are central to the work on strengthening families and individuals the Church carries out in Brussels and around the world.

The Church's engagement with these questions extends across contexts. Elder Gerrit W. Gong recently addressed AI ethics at the Athens Summit, exploring how faith communities can contribute to the broader global dialogue on technology and human flourishing.