BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC

In spring 2025, the Office of Communications was invited to speak before the Parish Catechetical Leaders (PCL) during their gathering at the McRaith Catholic Center. During our presentation, we discussed the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to increase your media literacy. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like a human would. However, with the world of AI comes the need for greater awareness of what is true or not. We showed the PCL participants several “deepfakes” (realistic-looking AI-generated photos), such as one that depicted Pope Francis in a luxury coat. We led participants in an exercise of cognitive reflection and rational thought, geared to helping them double-check an initial impulse, and engage in more careful calculation to ensure accuracy (such as not “liking” or sharing a news post on social media until you are sure it’s true). The conversation continues to this day, and we are learning more ourselves as Pope Leo XIV leads the way. If you’d like to discuss AI ethics or have questions about how to become more media literate in your own parish or school community, please contact [email protected].

Originally printed in the Diocese of Owensboro’s 2025-2026 impact report in June 2026.