Educating the whole person in the age of AI

Originally published by the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) on 27 May 2026

This week, as Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical – Magnifica humanitas “Magnificent Humanity” – technology and its role in education was front and centre for Catholic teachers, leaders, administrators and policy makers. Equipping students for the rapid change and pace of our world while ensuring safe spaces to explore and learn, developing approaches to technology that enhance the human condition, all sit at the heart of the Holy Father’s words.

In educating our young people, we must develop their capacity to think critically, be imaginative, and develop skills and capacities which serve their academic, social, and spiritual development.

As Pope Leo said in his encyclical, “the organisation of schools, physical spaces, evaluation methods and the role of teachers themselves must be rethought in order to promote an authentically integral education that addresses every dimension of the person.” (para 145)

The challenge to consider the rapid rise in the AI world sat this week alongside reporting from the National Assessment Program – ICT Literacy published by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) that although Australian students are enthusiastic users of generative AI and other digital tools, there is a decline in Australian students’ information communication technology (ICT) literacy since 2022. 

This is illustrative of the challenge for our education system – to teach and form our students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate a global community. 

The essential contribution of faith-based schools

Finally in the world of federal politics, this week, the Shadow Minister for Education, Julian Leeser, addressed a gathering of principals, board members, teachers and school leaders from across Christian Schools Australia, speaking about the role and contribution of faith-based schools within the broader education system. In his remarks, he acknowledged the work of school leaders and advocates across the sector and reflected on the importance of parental choice, religious freedom, and institutional diversity in education. He also recognised the significant contribution faith-based schools make to their communities through their educational, pastoral and cultural mission.

These sentiments sit at the heart of our advocacy for Catholic education, and we will continue to ensure that both the government and opposition recognise the essential contribution of the non-government sector to the Australian educational landscape.