Review article
https://doi.org/10.31823/d.33.3.8
Challenges of Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse for the Apostolate
Ana Jeličić
orcid.org/0000-0003-0093-9029
; Faculty of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia – Center for ethics of digital communications and algorethics, Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Abstract
The priest has his missionary, royal, and prophetic mission through the sacrament of priestly orders. Specific tasks and functions change depending on the time and context of his service. Thus, the role, significance, social position, and pastoral functions of priests in contemporary society, on the thres-hold of the transhuman and posthuman, are significantly different from those of priests a few decades ago. The changes that have determined considerably the priest's mission are related to technological and communication innovations that define and shape almost all spheres of human activity. This paper analyzes cultural and social movements in the multifaceted environments in which humans live, primarily in real and virtual (digital) environments. It provides insight into new trends in communication and community, and it explores, evaluates, and warns about the challenges of artificial intelligence for pastoral care, as we take the first steps into the metaverse.
Keywords
artificial intelligence; metaverse; cybertheology; onlife; avatar; posthumanism; transhumanism; digital anthropology
Hrčak ID:
337334
URI
Publication date:
31.10.2025.
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