Vigilant Hope: Preserving Human Dignity in an Age of Artificial Intelligence provides readers with a balanced approach to using AI, while addressing the ethical questions Catholics must consider as AI takes on a greater role in the world today.
[Exton, PA - September 9, 2026] As Artificial Intelligence continues to transform everyday life, Ascension has released Vigilant Hope, a book for readers looking for an authentically Catholic perspective on AI.
Written by Dr. Steven Umbrello, managing director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies and a research fellow at the University of Turin, Vigilant Hope provides readers an informed perspective on both the benefits and dangers of AI.
Drawing on the wisdom of the Catholic tradition, including Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Dr. Umbrello explores not simply what AI can do, but what it should do, and how we can ensure technology remains at the service of the human person.
Katie Prejean McGrady, who wrote the foreword to Vigilant Hope, describes the book as a much-needed guide for Catholics navigating the rapidly changing world of technology:
“We need a field guide that can help us walk through the timeless and essential truths of human wisdom and hold them beside the rapidly changing landscape of artificial intelligence.”
Vigilant Hope is the perfect companion for Ascension’s edition of Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.
Vigilant Hope is available at www.AscensionPress.com/human-dignity
About the Author
Steven Umbrello is the managing director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies and a research fellow at the University of Turin. He is an associate researcher at the Collège des Bernardins and was previously a research fellow at the Delft University of Technology. In addition to his research work, Umbrello edits several international academic journals, including the International Journal of Technoethics, the Journal of Responsible Technology, and the Journal of Ethics and Emerging Technologies. His books include Technology Ethics: Responsible Innovation and Design Strategies, Can AI Ever Be Human?: Consciousness Explored, and Mediated by Meaning.
About Ascension
Ascension is one of the most trusted publishers of Catholic books and digital media today. For over 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of more than 20 million people through award-winning resources including the chart-topping “The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)” podcast, the groundbreaking “The Great Adventure Bible” study program, bestselling Bibles, over 50 faith formation programs, and Ascension Presents—one of the largest Catholic YouTube channels in the world.
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