Artificial intelligence and leadership: a Franciscan perspective

Martin Carbajo-Núñez OFM


Pontificia Università Antonianum, Rome, Italy Alfonsianum (Pontificia Università Lateranense), Rome (Italy)

Abstract

This article explores how the ethical principles of the Franciscan economic tradition and the Economy of Francesco can guide the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into business leadership. Emphasizing leadership as service, this paper advocates for a participatory and ethically grounded decision-making that prioritizes human dignity and intrinsic motivations. The study first contrasts two dominant leadership models, then examines Francis of Assisi’s vision of authority, its influence on Pope Francis’s economic thought, and finally, the impact of AI on contemporary leadership practices.


Keywords:

Leadership, Francis of Assisi, Economy of Francesco, Economics, Artificial intelligence

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Published
2025-12-21

Cited by

Carbajo-Núñez OFM, M. (2025). Artificial intelligence and leadership: a Franciscan perspective. Warsaw Theological Studies, 38(2), 152–176. https://doi.org/10.30439/WST.2025.2.8

Authors

Martin Carbajo-Núñez OFM 

Pontificia Università Antonianum, Rome, Italy Alfonsianum (Pontificia Università Lateranense), Rome Italy

Prof. Dr. Martín Carbajo-Núñez OFM currently teaches ethics and communication at two pontifical universities in Rome: the Antonianum (PUA) and the Alfonsianum (PUL). At the PUA, he served for three years as Vice-Rector and Rector Magnificus ad interim. He also teaches regularly in Spain and the United States. He holds a Doctorate in Moral Theology (PUL), a Degree in Germanic Philology, a Master's Degree in Social Communication (Gregorian University, Rome), and is a qualified IT technician. Most of Martín Carbajo-Núñez's publications (56 books and over 250 articles) are listed at www.antoniano.org (e-mail: mcarbajon@gmail.com).



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