Catholic Church in Belarus faces controversy over AI-generated icon

On October 11, 2026, Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, the former head of the Catholic Church in Belarus, conducted a ceremony at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Novolukoml to bless a newly installed religious icon. The artwork depicts Saint Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager canonized by the Vatican in 2025 and widely recognized as the "Cyber Apostle" or patron saint of the internet. The unique nature of this icon, which was created using artificial intelligence, has sparked a significant debate among the faithful regarding the appropriateness of employing generative technology in religious traditions.

While the church has integrated the image into its local worship, the move has drawn criticism on social media platforms. Detractors argue that AI-generated imagery is unsuitable for religious devotion, questioning the intersection of modern technology and sacred art. The incident highlights the growing tension within religious communities as they adapt to digital advancements and artificial intelligence in historical practices. There is currently no official follow-up or scheduled decision from church authorities regarding the potential removal or broader regulation of such AI-assisted religious materials.