Éric Salobir: Bridge Between Tech and the Vatican

Éric Salobir, a former banker and now a religious brother, has established himself as a mediator between the technology sector and the Vatican. He organizes confidential meetings where leading tech representatives meet with high-ranking church officials. These initiatives aim to promote dialogue between the two worlds and discuss shared values. Salobir emphasizes that there are many parallels between Silicon Valley and the Vatican. Both institutions deal with fundamental questions of humanity, such as ethics, responsibility, and the impact of technology on people's lives.

These topics are particularly relevant at a time when technological innovations are advancing rapidly. A central theme of the discussions is the encyclical of Pope Leo XIII, which addresses social issues and the role of technology in society. Salobir explains that this encyclical serves as a source of inspiration for current discussions. The principles outlined in it are intended to help tackle the challenges of the modern world. The meetings organized by Salobir are not public and take place in a confidential setting.

This allows participants to speak openly about their concerns and ideas without fear of public criticism or misunderstandings. Salobir sees this as an opportunity to build bridges and create understanding between the two worlds. Another aspect of the discussions is the responsibility of technology companies. Salobir highlights that companies should not only pursue economic interests but also take on social responsibility. The discussions aim to explore how technology can be used for the benefit of society rather than just maximizing profit.

Salobir is convinced that dialogue between tech and the church is crucial for establishing ethical standards in technology development. He points to the necessity for companies to actively participate in shaping a just and sustainable future. This requires a shift in thinking within the industry. The meetings have already led to concrete initiatives aimed at developing technological solutions for social problems. Salobir cites examples where technology is used to improve access to education and healthcare.

These projects demonstrate how technology can bring about positive change when used responsibly. Salobir sees the role of the Vatican as an important link in these discussions. The Vatican has a long tradition of engaging with ethical questions and can provide valuable perspectives. The combination of technological knowledge and ethical considerations could lead to innovative solutions.

The next meetings are already planned, with Salobir hoping they will lead to further progress in the collaboration between technology and the church. He emphasizes that the exchange of ideas and values is crucial to overcoming the challenges of the future. "We must work together for a better world," says Salobir. The next conference addressing these topics will take place in September 2026 and promises to provide a platform for the exchange between technology and ethics.