A new Salesian publication, Human Core and Machine Code: Reclaiming Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), was released during the meeting of the South Asia Formation Delegates at Don Bosco Provincial House, Shillong, on August 11, 2026. Edited by Father Banzelao Teixeira and Father Ian Pinto, the volume was formally released by Father Silvio Roggia SDB. Bringing together 15 contributions, the BOOK examines the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence and reflects on its implications for humanity, society, education, ethics and faith. It also features a Foreword by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).



Giving a brief overview of the publication, Father Robert Pen, vice provincial of the Salesian Mumbai Province, highlighted its relevance to the rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence. In presenting the main insights of the volume, he emphasized that artificial intelligence is a tool, not a person. AI has no soul, conscience or capacity to love; therefore, human beings must remain at the centre of technological development and decision-making. He further stressed that AI must always serve human dignity and the common good. The ethical evaluation of AI should ask whether its use protects life, promotes truth and justice, and contributes to the well-being of the poor and vulnerable.



Father Pen also identified three major risks associated with AI: the creation of fake or artificial relationships, the rapid spread of false information and deepfakes, and the possibilities of injustice in the workplace, together with increased surveillance and loss of privacy. Another important theme highlighted was the need for formation and wisdom. In an age when AI can increasingly perform tasks traditionally carried out by human beings, education and formation must give greater attention to critical thinking, ethical discernment, interpersonal relationships and those human capacities that technology cannot replace.



The release of Human Core and Machine Code at the gathering of the South Asia Formation Delegates meet provided a fitting occasion to reflect on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, particularly in the context of human formation. The volume invites readers to engage critically with emerging technologies while reaffirming the dignity, responsibility and uniqueness of the human person.