Artificial Intelligence Fails to Predict the Next Pope
Artificial intelligence faced a daunting challenge in trying to predict the outcome of the secretive process of electing a new pope within the Catholic Church. Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church entered a period of mourning while also initiating the selection process for his successor. This led to a fervent speculation among Vatican insiders and bookmakers as they attempted to forecast the next pontiff.
Four AI chatbots, including OpenAI's ChatGPT and Elon Musk's Grok, were consulted by AFP to gain insights into the potential frontrunners for the papacy. However, the results provided by the AI bots were inconclusive and varied.
AI Insights on Potential Frontrunners
According to AI algorithms like Grok and Google's Gemini, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who served as the Vatican's second-in-command during Pope Francis's tenure, emerged as a leading contender for the position. While Gemini highlighted Cardinal Parolin as the frontrunner, it also mentioned eight other potential candidates.
OpenAI's ChatGPT pointed towards Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as the most likely candidate based on current trends and his alignment with Pope Francis's advocacy for the marginalized. Cardinal Tagle, considered Asia's top contender for the papacy, shares similar values with Pope Francis.
Challenge of Predicting the Next Pope
Despite the AI bots offering their predictions, they all emphasized the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the selection process. Factors such as the theological beliefs of the cardinals, their age, experience, and the secretive nature of the conclave make it extremely challenging to forecast the outcome accurately.
ChatGPT clarified that its prediction was based on analysis and trends rather than a definitive prophecy. The AI chatbots acknowledged the limitations of data analysis when it comes to predicting such a significant event.
On the other hand, Mistral AI opted out of participating in the speculation altogether, citing its inability to predict the next Pope. Instead, it advised seeking information from reliable news sources for the most up-to-date updates on the papal conclave.
As the AI bots grapple with the enigmatic process of electing a new pope, the final decision rests in the hands of the College of Cardinals, shrouded in secrecy and tradition.
