By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

The Catholic Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, has cautioned the public against overliance in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Lawani warned that while the technology offers immense benefits, it must never be allowed to replace human dignity, voice, and face-to-face communication.

He made the remarks on Sunday during the 2026 World Communications Day celebration held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Taiwo Road, Ilorin, organised under the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin.

Addressing worshippers, clergy, media practitioners and communication apostolates, the Bishop described Christians as “communicators in the footsteps of Christ,” whom he called the “Supreme Communicator.”

“We are communicators because we are faithful followers of Christ, who Himself is the Supreme Communicator. He commissioned us to continue preaching the Good News to all. So we follow in His footsteps,” he said.

This year’s theme, “Safeguarding the Future, Defending the Human Person, Making Artificial Intelligence a Positive Tool,” was explored alongside a related reflection from Pope Leo XIV on “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.”

According to the Bishop, every technological advancement in history—from the industrial revolution to modern computing and robotics—was originally designed to serve humanity, not replace it.

“Technology has always been directed at making life easier, faster and more comfortable. Even Artificial Intelligence, though new and powerful, must serve the human person. It must not diminish human dignity,” he said.

He noted that AI presents both opportunities and dangers, especially in how it may affect communication, journalism, and social relationships.

Citing concerns raised by Pope Leo XIV, the Bishop warned that human faces and voices must remain sacred in a world increasingly driven by algorithms.

“Preserving human faces and voices is safeguarding the indelible reflection of God’s love within every person,” he said, quoting the Pope. “We are not a species made up of predefined biochemical algorithms. Each person has an irreplaceable vocation expressed through communication with others.”

He stressed that human beings are spiritual in nature and not merely products of technological systems.

“We are spiritual beings, not just creations of technology. Our faces and voices carry sacred value because we are made in the image and likeness of God,” he added.

The Bishop also expressed concern about the impact of digital revolution on journalism, noting that algorithm-driven communication often encourages superficial reporting, polarization, and misinformation.

He highlighted emerging challenges such as cyberbullying, digital fraud, privacy violations, and the spread of unverified content online, calling for stronger digital literacy among media professionals.

“There is urgent need for digital literacy, critical thinking and humanistic education. Journalists must understand how algorithms shape perception and how information can be distorted in the digital space,” he said.

He further warned against blind dependence on AI tools, stressing that no machine should replace human judgment.

“Do not give up your own thinking. The idea of an ‘omniscient friend’ in AI is an illusion. Only God is all-knowing,” he cautioned.

According to him, overdependence on AI risks weakening creativity, responsibility, and authentic human expression.

He added that those who avoid personal involvement in knowledge production risk “hiding their face and silencing their voice.”

The Bishop called for what he described as conscious digital citizenship, stronger regulation, and responsible innovation that prioritises human dignity.

“We need faces and voices to speak for people again. Communication must remain the deepest expression of humanity, and all technology must be oriented towards that truth,” he said.

He outlined key principles for responsible communication in the digital era, including individual responsibility, cooperation across sectors, and education that promotes critical thinking and evaluation of information sources.

“The challenge before us is not to stop digital innovation, but to guide it. Each of us must raise our voices in defence of human beings so that these tools become true allies of humanity,” he said, quoting Pope Leo XIV.

He concluded by urging Christians and professionals in the communication field to ensure that technology remains a servant of humanity rather than a substitute for human relationships.

“Real communication requires the unique presence of a human voice and face. Artificial replicas cannot replace genuine human connection,” he said.