Jesuits West

Pope Leo XIV published his landmark encyclical on artificial intelligence “Magnifica Humanitas” on May 25, comparing the attempt to build an AI future that excludes God to the “Tower of Babel.”

Fr. Tom Reese, SJ, a member of Jesuits West and senior analyst for RNS, said that Pope Leo “hit it out of the ballpark” with his first encyclical by addressing not only “artificial intelligence but more widely with digital technology and its impact on the real world we live in.”

Léocadie Lushombo, a professor of theological ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, was part of the panel at the Vatican on May 25 for the encyclical’s release.

Lushombo said that it offers warnings about the effects of AI on humanity, especially in the Global South. She noted the encyclicals’ concerns regarding the physical and environmental toll of AI infrastructure, as child labor is often used in the extraction of rare earth elements in the developing world.

She also highlighted the pope’s criticism of “a technological development that represses human dignity and widens the gap between the rich and the poor, as AI is doing, following the patterns of economic globalization.”

“Technology should serve human flourishing and human dignity, not as a form of control over consciences,” she said.

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Fr. Matthew Yim, SJ, of Jesuits West, recently reflected on community and prayer in an interview with the Hawaii Catholic Herald:

One daily practice that continues to ground me is the Ignatian Examen. For me, the Examen is ultimately a prayer of gratitude. At the end of each day, I look back, notice at least one thing for which I am grateful, and thank God for it.

Sometimes I also recognize moments where I fell short or acted in ways that drew me away from God. Then I simply pray, “Tomorrow, God, help me do better.”

Read more: tinyurl.com/2svjcs2f

Congratulations to Fr. Phillip Ganir, SJ, of Jesuits West, who professed final vows in the Society of Jesus on April 25 at the Campion Center in Weston, Massachusetts, along with Fr. Timothy O’Brien, SJ. Both Jesuits are affiliated with the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry: Fr. Ganir is an assistant professor of religious education, and Fr. O’Brien is a visiting fellow.

Fr. Ganir said he felt “very peaceful and joyful” to complete this part of his formation journey. “Anyone discerning a call to be a Jesuit should be prepared for the idea of lifelong formation, which was a foundational idea for St. Ignatius Loyola,” he explained. “That doesn’t mean we’re in classrooms the entire time, but we’re asked to be mindful of the ways the Lord is actively forming us all throughout our lives.”

Read more: tinyurl.com/frganir

Following the announcement of his appointment by Pope Leo XIV, Bishop-Elect Michael T. Castori, SJ, of Jesuits West, was introduced to the Diocese of Honolulu.

At the press conference, Bishop-Elect Castori shared about receiving the call, praying before the Blessed Sacrament, his deep connection to the Pacific, and his episcopal motto: “E hiki mai kou aupuni” — “Thy Kingdom come.”

Please pray for Bishop-Elect Castori as he prepares for his Episcopal Ordination and Installation on July 28, 2026.