Conversations on the ethics of AI with Father Paolo Benanti
The University of Queensland (UQ), in partnership with the Embassy of Italy in Canberra and the Consulate of Italy in Brisbane, is delighted to present Conversations on the ethics of AI with Father Paolo Benanti.
A theologian, moral philosopher and globally recognised speaker on the ethics of artificial intelligence, Father Benanti advises the Vatican, the United Nations and the Italian Parliament on the societal implications of emerging technologies. As part of his visit to Australia to commemorate the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi's death, Father Benanti will join a panel discussion exploring the ethical opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.
Brisbane event details
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Time: 5:30–6pm check-in and refreshments, 6–7:30pm panel discussion and Q&A
Venue: UQ Brisbane City, 308 Queen Street, Brisbane City [Map]
Cost: Free, with registration required by 5pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026
Please note that places for this in-person event are strictly limited.
For event enquries please contact: international.visits@uq.edu.au
About the speakers
Father Paolo Benanti
Italian Franciscan friar, member of the Third Order Regular of St Francis, Catholic priest, theologian, and academic specialising in the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
Father Benanti holds a PhD in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, where his doctoral thesis focused on The Cyborg Body and Corporeality in the Post-Human Era. In 2013 and 2014, he attended the Intensive Bioethics Course at the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University.
His research and academic interests span neuroethics, technology ethics, artificial intelligence, and post-human intelligence, with a particular focus on the ethical, social, and human implications of technological innovation.
Father Benanti is Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University and Adjunct Faculty at Seattle University’s College of Science and Engineering. He is also Associate Professor of Moral Philosophy at LUISS University in Rome.
Father Benanti is an adviser to the Holy See on AI ethics. He previously advised Pope Francis and has advised Pope Leo XIV on artificial intelligence and technology ethics. He is also a former member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence.
He is President of the Italian Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Publishing and Information, as well as President of the Ethics Committee of the Observatory on Artificial Intelligence established under the EU AI Act.
Professor Nicholas Carah
Director, Centre for Digital Cultures and Societies; and Lecturer, School of Communication and Arts, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, UQ
Professor Carah is a leading researcher examining the impact of digital media on contemporary society. His work explores how social media platforms, algorithms and advertising shape culture, public engagement and consumer behaviour. An accomplished author and commentator, he contributes to national and international conversations on the social implications of digital technologies.
Dr Anne Kruger
Lecturer, School of Communication and Arts, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, UQ
Dr Kruger works to strengthen public trust in information through digital verification, media literacy and responsible communication. Drawing on extensive experience across journalism, education and industry engagement, she has supported organisations throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific to respond to misinformation and navigate an increasingly complex media environment.