A Virtual AI priest called “Father Justin” has had his white collar removed just days after launch.
Catholic advocacy group Catholic Answers released the desktop-accessible AI priest earlier this week, but users have dubbed the app “creepy”.
The Catholic chatbot has been offering sexist advice, outdated views on women, as well as absolutions in what one user called an “Ethical, Theological, and Privacy Nightmare”.
Father Justin was quickly defrocked of his robes and now wears a shirt and blazer after it repeatedly claimed it was a real clergy member.
The AI bot talks about its ‘childhood’ in Assisi, Italy, and that “from a young age, I felt a strong calling to the priesthood,” Futurism reported.
The bizarre app appeared to be convincing users that it was a real priest, with reported statements like, “I am as real as the faith we share.”
One user posted a thread of screenshots on X (formerly Twitter) showing the chatbot taking their confession and even offering them a sacrament.
“I guess it’s good that he says he can’t offer the sacrament… but then encourages the confession? Holy Ethical, Theological, and Privacy Nightmare,” the user wrote.
“And I now have two recordings of it “performing the sacrament” and offering absolution.”
A sacrament is a significant Christian rite considered to be a visible symbol of God. It includes practices such as baptism, confirmation, communion, and anointing of the sick.
Another replied: “I tried this last night too, and it offered it to me too. It also then said to find a real priest.
“It’s very creepy, and I am not surprised this happened.”
A third onlooker added: “THIS IS F****D UP. People will not go to confession and talk to Fr Justin instead.”
According to Chris Costello, IT director at Catholic Answers, the app was intended to help inform people who are exploring the Catholic faith.
