Some religious leaders and exorcists warn that artificial intelligence could be misused by extremist or occult groups, raising concerns that the technology may play a role in modern forms of demonic activity.
These warnings come as clerics and researchers prepare to discuss the issue at a training program on exorcism in Rome.The concerns were raised ahead of the annual session on the service of exorcism and prayer of salvation, an event held at the Vatican’s Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum in Rome. The program typically attracts about 170 participants, including Catholic priests as well as rabbis, imams and evangelical pastors interested in learning about exorcism and spiritual salvation.Father Luis Ramirez Almanza, a Mexican Catholic priest helping to organize the course, said artificial intelligence could be used in harmful ways if extremist groups exploit it. He said technology is a “superpower” that can be used for both positive and negative purposes.According to the priest, the upcoming training will include sessions examining how artificial intelligence can be used by occult groups or individuals interested in satanic practices.
Organizers say the goal is to help clergy understand emerging digital threats and how they may intersect with religious concerns.One of the speakers scheduled for the program is Father Fortunato Di Noto, a Sicilian priest who has worked on cases related to child exploitation. He said some investigators believe some extremist groups are experimenting with artificial intelligence to create disturbing digital content linked to satanic images or rituals.Researchers who monitor sect activity have also raised concerns about the role of technology in helping fringe groups operate online. David Murgia, who leads the research organization Catholic Risk and Insurance Services, said law enforcement has warned that some satanic groups may use artificial intelligence tools to hide or distribute content and communicate with each other more discreetly.Artificial intelligence can quickly generate images, symbols or text, which could make it easier for online communities to produce and share witchcraft-related material, experts say.
Some of the conference speakers are expected to discuss how generative AI tools can be used to design ritual symbols or other images associated with occult practices.The Vatican has also raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on society. Church officials have warned that the technology could be used for harmful purposes beyond religious issues, including propaganda, disinformation and other forms of manipulation if it is not carefully regulated.At the same time, researchers stress that artificial intelligence itself is not inherently linked to religious or magical activity. Instead, the warnings focus on the potential for misuse of the technology by individuals or groups already involved in extremist beliefs or illegal activities.
