In Lucerne, Switzerland, St. Peter's Chapel has introduced an AI hologram of Jesus Christ in a confessional as part of an art installation titled Deus in Machina. This initiative aims to explore the intersection of technology and spirituality, running until November 27.
Despite initial rumors suggesting the hologram would partake in the sacrament of Confession, the parish clarified that its purpose is to engage in conversations with visitors. Marco Schmidt, a theologian at the parish, emphasized that this project is an experiment designed to foster discussions about AI's role in religious contexts.
The installation, a collaboration between Philipp Haslbauer, Aljosa Smolic, and Marco Schmid, seeks to assess whether AI can assist priests by providing support during off-hours. The hologram can communicate in 100 languages and is trained on the New Testament, aligning its responses with the church's teachings. Reports indicate that two-thirds of users felt they had a 'spiritual experience' during their interactions.
However, theological ethics professor Peter Kirchschläger cautioned against considering AI a replacement for pastoral care, highlighting the unique human qualities necessary for spiritual guidance. The parish has ensured human presence during the installation to provide deeper insights into the hologram's messages, facilitating a richer understanding for attendees.