Matthew Harvey Sanders expressed his excitement when he discovered ChatGPT, seeing it as a solution to a lifelong challenge. Sanders, a 43-year-old from Toronto, is the CEO of Magisterium AI, a platform focused on Catholicism. He works in the Vatican’s Pontifical Oriental Institute, converting extensive Catholic written materials into an AI-driven system.
Sanders, who converted to Catholicism after being raised Anglican and Evangelical, noticed a gap in accessing the church’s intellectual tradition. He founded Magisterium backed by private Catholic donors. Unlike general AI systems, Magisterium is trained on primary Catholic sources, providing accurate responses with direct citations.
Although not officially approved by the Vatican, Magisterium has gained popularity worldwide, especially among professionals and lay Catholics seeking guidance on moral issues. Sanders emphasizes the platform as a reference tool, not a replacement for clergy or confession. Pope Leo XIV has acknowledged the importance of technological innovation in Catholic AI development.
Sanders aims to bridge the knowledge gap within the church by making Catholic data more accessible through Magisterium. The platform serves as a resource for users struggling with moral dilemmas, offering guidance rooted in Catholic doctrine. The balance between utility and human connection is crucial to Sanders, ensuring Magisterium remains a tool that leads users to seek human interaction within the faith community.
