Pakistan Christian Youth Reflect on Faith, Human Dignity, and Artificial Intelligence in Lahore Seminar

The Dominican Friars organized a Faith Formation Seminar for Christian youth at the Peace Center in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab Province, on July 10, 2026, bringing together more than 50 participants, including lay youth, seminarians, novices, and priests.

Held amid growing social, economic, and technological challenges facing minority communities in Pakistan, the seminar focused on the Catholic Church’s social teaching and its relevance to young Christians seeking to live out their faith in today’s society.

Fr. James Channan, OP, director of the Peace Center, opened the session with an introduction to the Church’s social doctrine, describing it as a guide for promoting justice, peace, and human dignity. He encouraged participants to remain rooted in Christian values while responding to the challenges affecting their communities.

A major focus of the seminar was Magnifica Humanitas, the latest encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, which addresses the protection of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. Speakers explored the document’s theological and social implications, particularly its call for ethical responsibility in the use of emerging technologies.

Fr. Rofin Lawrence, OP, delivered the keynote address, explaining that the encyclical calls for an ethical approach to technology, ensuring that digital systems remain tools that serve humanity rather than replace human judgment and conscience.

He highlighted the document’s concerns regarding digital isolation, job displacement, and algorithmic bias that can further marginalize vulnerable groups. He encouraged young people to ensure that their digital engagement reflects values such as empathy, responsibility, and respect for human dignity.

Sr. Josephine Michael, OP, connected Pope Leo XIV’s teaching with the social concerns addressed by Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, noting that the Church’s defense of workers during the Industrial Revolution continues today in the effort to protect human dignity amid technological transformation.

Journalist Yousaf Benjamin, executive director of DIGNITY First, spoke about the challenges faced by Christian youth in Pakistan, including barriers to education, employment opportunities, and social inclusion. He emphasized the importance of Church teaching in helping young people understand their rights and respond to discrimination with faith and resilience.

The seminar concluded with reflections from social activist Barbra Francis, journalist Tariq Siraj, and Dominican priests Fr. Adil Ashraf, OP; Fr. Alwin Mehraj, OP; and Fr. Adil Ambrose, OP, along with Pastor Michael.

The event was organized by the Peace Center as part of its continuing efforts to support youth formation, dialogue, and community development among Pakistan’s Christian communities.