As artificial intelligence accelerates changes in the workplace, Cardinal Robert McElroy said the coming transformation of labor raises a fundamental question about the future of human work.
“Will there be meaningful work left?” the archbishop of Washington asked during his homily at a Labor Day Mass celebrated Sept. 6 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington.
“And the answer to that is: No one knows,” he said.
The Mass, organized by the Catholic Labor Network and celebrated a day ahead of the federal Labor Day holiday, brought together parishioners, workers and representatives of organized labor for a celebration focused on the dignity of human labor, economic justice and workers’ rights.
The prayers of the faithful included prayers for those unable to find work, people facing unsafe conditions or inadequate wages, workers in agriculture, manufacturing and public service and union leaders representing workers.
McElroy began his homily by reflecting on the Scripture reading at the Mass from the Book of Genesis, telling worshippers the created world is a gift from God entrusted to humanity and people participate in its continuing development through their labor.
With thanks to National Catholic Reporter (NCR) and Nicole Olea, where this article originally appeared.
