Published: 2026-09-28

Pastoral Ministry in the Age of Algorithms

Challenges, Adaptation, and Perspectives on the Example of a Catholic Diocese in Central and Eastern Europe

Michał Wyrostkiewicz Profil ORCID autora Michał Wyrostkiewicz , Marek Petro Profil ORCID autora Marek Petro , Wojciech Wciseł Profil ORCID autora Wojciech Wciseł , Wojciech Iwanicki Profil ORCID autora Wojciech Iwanicki , Wojciech Suchowierz Profil ORCID autora Wojciech Suchowierz
Collectanea Theologica
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.96.3.07

Abstract

The growing role of Artificial Intelligence in various areas of life raises questions about its impact on pastoral ministry. This article examines the use of AI in the Archdiocese of Lublin (Poland), identifying both opportunities and challenges perceived by Catholic clergy. While AI supports pastors in selected areas of pastoral work, it simultaneously raises ethical, theological, and anthropological concerns, particularly regarding the risk of depersonalization of pastoral relationships. The study, based on desk research and the analysis of original empirical data collected among clergy, as well as relevant Magisterium documents, highlights areas that may require further theological reflection and consideration in clergy formation concerning AI. The findings contribute to practical theology by showing how empirical research can inform normative reflection on the responsible integration of AI into pastoral ministry.

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Catholic clergy, information society, pastoral ministry, pastoral care, practical theology

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Citation rules

Wyrostkiewicz, M., Petro, M., Wciseł, W., Iwanicki, W., & Suchowierz, W. (2026). Pastoral Ministry in the Age of Algorithms: Challenges, Adaptation, and Perspectives on the Example of a Catholic Diocese in Central and Eastern Europe. Collectanea Theologica, 96(3), 621–647. https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.96.3.07

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