Franciscan friar Paolo Benanti, once a key advisor to Pope Francis on artificial intelligence (AI) and ethics, and who regularly advises Giorgia Meloni, will trade his brown robes for a bartender’s apron at a Rome pub, pulling pints to raise money for a local charity supporting vulnerable communities. The multi-talented man of God also brews his own IPA in his spare time. The happening, which is said to be a mix of Franciscan humility with the church projecting a modern face, is all part of Benanti’s unique journey from engineering to theology and his influence on the Vatican’s approach to AI, which was a priority for Pope Francis. Benanti, a professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, has shaped global AI ethics through initiatives like the Rome Call for AI Ethics, emphasising human-centric technology. Pope Francis, who was deeply concerned about AI’s impact on the margins of society, relies on voices like Benanti’s to advocate for governance that prevents exploitation, such as biased algorithms affecting mortgages or asylum bids, and ensures AI serves a common good. “The Pope worries about AI widening inequality,” Benanti told the press, giving examples like job displacement and disinformation. The pint-pulling event, hosted at a historic Roman tavern, shows Benanti’s belief in grounding ethical discussions in everyday life. “Technology must uplift, not isolate,” he said, echoing the previous pope’s call for an international AI treaty. Proceeds from beer served by the friar will aid local shelters. His presence behind the bar aims to spark conversations about AI’s role in fostering dignity and justice.