Last year the internet went into a frenzy after pictures like the one above of Pope Francis wearing a puffer jacket were circulated. These images were created by generative AI and of course it demonstrates the powerful nature of AI technology.

The Pope has also been proactive in stressing the importance of ethical AI. It’s very significant to see a person of his great influence and stature highlight the importance of responsible AI.

Recent news reports indicate that the Pope and the Vatican rely on an AI expert named Friar Paolo Benanti to help shape their thinking on AI issues and to serve as their resident AI expert. The Associated Press recently reported about Benanti’s role in the AI area as well as an article in The New York Times. As a result, Benanti is gaining increasing notoriety across the globe for his visible leadership in advising the Pope and the Vatican on AI.

The Pope and the Vatican are very smart to enlist the help of an AI specialist to help guide them on the myriad of AI-related issues that we will be seeing in a growing AI world. In fact, I think here’s some lessons that the legal industry can learn from the fact that the Pope has an “AI Lead”:

Understanding the Benefits & Risks of AI: As part of a lawyer’s ethical duties when using technology to serve their clients, lawyers need to understand the potential pros and cons associated with using that technology – including AI. Law firms and legal departments would benefit from having AI-focused people on their teams – or as consultants – to educate them about AI, keep up to speed on the ever-changing AI tech and regulatory landscape and so they can be well-positioned to use AI tools in a responsible manner. Obtaining consistent help from an AI expert(s) would be both a smart business and legal decision for all legal organizations.

The Rise of AI “Chiefs”: As AI technology becomes more universally embraced, we will also see legal organizations be more focused on AI governance and hire AI-centric roles such as a Chief AI Officer, Chief Data Scientist, Chief Responsible AI Officer or similar senior AI lead roles. These senior AI roles will also have an important “AI Ambassador” component to them.

Multi-Disciplinary Skills: To be successful in a role of an AI Lead, that person needs to have very broad subject skill sets in key areas like technology, business, data, legal, compliance, privacy. etc…and effective ways of working skills like being a clear communicator, an effective collaborator, change management, embracing empathy, etc…

If the Pope and the Vatican have made the wise decision to invest in an AI leader so they can better serve their large community, legal organizations should also explore whether it makes sense to identify and secure the appropriate AI talent for their respective organizations so they can better serve their clients in a responsible and ethical fashion.