Italy May 27, 2026. In response to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, the educational network “Salesians for Social,” led by Fr. Francesco Preite, is adapting its mission to protect human dignity. This renewed focus draws inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which challenges society to decide what kind of human values should be preserved in the AI era.
The encyclical warns that while digital transformation offers opportunities, it also creates new forms of “educational poverty.” Today, vulnerability isn’t just about lacking access to schooling; it includes digital exclusion, technological addiction, social isolation, and the risk of reducing individuals to mere data points. Preite emphasizes that navigating these challenges is a critical public and educational responsibility.
To combat these modern threats, Salesians for Social is doubling down on what technology cannot replicate: authentic human connection. Because algorithms cannot experience empathy, love, or physical reality, they cannot replace genuine educational relationships. The organization operates dozens of family homes and day centers across Italy, providing safe spaces where vulnerable youth can build trust and dignity with caring adults.
Ultimately, the Salesian mission approaches AI not with fear, but with careful educational discernment. The goal is to build supportive communities that leave no one behind, teaching young people to use technology responsibly while remaining free and critical thinkers. By fostering genuine connections and prioritizing human value over algorithmic efficiency, the Salesians strive to be “builders of communion,” ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than diminishing it.
