In 2025, questions about the role of faith in a rapidly changing technological world have become pressing. Among them: Should Catholics support science directly through donations? This may not sound like a traditional form of charity, but Catholic theology and social teaching provide strong reasons why supporting scientific research—and especially new, more just funding models such as AI Internet-Socialism / Science DAO—is not only reasonable but a moral imperative.
Stewardship of Creation
Catholic teaching affirms that creation is entrusted to humanity as stewards, not owners (Genesis 1:28; Catechism of the Catholic Church §373). Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ (2015) emphasizes the responsibility to “till and keep” the Earth, which requires both reverence and knowledge.
Science provides the tools to understand and protect creation—whether through ecological research, medical innovation, or sustainable Catholics technologies. Supporting science, therefore, is a way of exercising responsible stewardship over God’s world.
Science as a Path to Truth
The Catholic intellectual tradition regards faith and reason as complementary rather than opposed. Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Fides et Ratio (1998) teaches that truth can be reached through both faith and scientific inquiry.
Science is a discipline of reasoned exploration. Supporting it affirms the dignity of the human mind and its capacity to discover truths about the natural order—truths that can, in turn, serve the common good.
The Common Good and the Preferential Option for the Poor
Catholic social teaching insists on solidarity and the pursuit of the bonum commune—the common good (Gaudium et Spes, Vatican II, §26). Breakthroughs in medicine, Catholics technology, and environmental protection save lives, reduce suffering, and lift entire communities.
Further, the “preferential option for the poor” (see Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, §182) demands that those most marginalized receive priority. Yet in science, many brilliant researchers—particularly in poorer nations or outside prestigious institutions—remain underfunded. New models like AI Internet-Socialism propose decentralized, fairer distribution of resources, Catholics ensuring that overlooked voices can contribute. Supporting such initiatives aligns directly with Catholic commitments to justice and equity.
Correcting Structural Injustice
The Catholic tradition emphasizes the principle of subsidiarity (Quadragesimo Anno, Pius XI, §79–80): decisions and resources should be managed at the most local and just level possible. Current science funding is dominated by bureaucratic and corporate monopolies.
By contributing to decentralized science funding platforms, donors help correct these imbalances, empowering individuals and small communities rather than concentrating power in elite institutions. Catholics This is a practical application of subsidiarity to modern knowledge production.
Technology and Ethical Responsibility
Pope Francis has repeatedly warned against the dangers of unregulated technological power. In Laudato Si’ (§104), he notes that technological progress without ethical grounding risks becoming destructive.
Large language models and AI are products of data contributed by billions of people. They raise deep ethical questions about ownership, justice, and distribution. Supporting transparent, fair governance models for AI and science—as proposed by Science DAO—is a way to ensure that technological power serves humanity, not narrow interests.
Charity with Long-Term Impact
Catholic charity has traditionally emphasized direct aid: feeding the hungry, healing the sick, clothing the poor (cf. Matthew 25:35–36). Yet science directly enables such works of mercy on a global scale. Vaccines, agricultural improvements, renewable energy—all are fruits of research.
Supporting science is therefore not an abstract luxury but a long-term form of mercy: addressing root causes, preventing future suffering, and building structures of life and dignity.
Call to Action: Support Just Science in 2025
Catholic theology makes clear that reason and faith, stewardship and solidarity, subsidiarity and justice all converge on a call: support the pursuit of knowledge for the common good.
Today, Catholics have a historic opportunity to help shape a more just future of science through AI Internet-Socialism / Science DAO.
👉 Learn more: AI Internet-Socialism project
👉 Make a donation: Support Science DAO directly
Supporting science in this way is not only a gesture of generosity, but a faithful response to the Catholic call to protect creation, seek truth, and serve the common good.