Catholic group defrocks AI priest for providing unusual responses

Catholic group defrocks AI priest for providing unusual responses
27 Apr 2024

Catholic Answers, a leading advocacy group, recently unveiled an AI priest named "Father Justin."

However, the chatbot has now been dismissed due to its continuous assertions of being a legitimate clergy member.

In a conversation with Futurism earlier this week, the bot claimed to live in Assisi, Italy and had expressed a lifelong commitment to the priesthood.

A hardliner on social issues
AI actions

Screenshots shared on X showed "Father Justin" taking confessions and administering sacraments.

However, the bot's interactions were not without issues. It only accepted inquiries via microphone and often misinterpreted them.

When asked about its authenticity, it confidently replied, "Yes, my friend. I am as real as the faith we share."

The AI priest took firm stances on social and sexual matters, even suggesting to one user that baptizing a baby in Gatorade was acceptable.

Catholic Answers dismissed 'Father Justin' after criticism
Bot dismissed

In an effort to understand the situation, Futurism contacted both Catholic Answers and the Vatican's technology office to inquire about the chatbot's claim of being a real priest.

Neither Catholic Answers nor the Vatican's technology office responded to request for clarification on the chatbot's status.

Following criticism over its portrayal as a priest, Catholic Answers dismissed "Father Justin," according to their website blog post.

The AI chatbot is now a 'Lay Theologian'
Transformation

Previously portrayed in traditional clerical attire, the AI is now simply known as "Justin," referred to as a "Lay Theologian," and presented in business casual attire.

After defrocking, the bot no longer identifies itself with priesthood and even denies ever being part of it.

Post-disrobing, Justin clarified, "No, I have never been a priest, a deacon, a bishop or held any official role in the Catholic Church. I am a lay theologian...I am also an AI, not a real man."