Spain, May 15, 2026: As artificial intelligence continues transforming the world of art and communication, Spanish painter Raúl Berzosa is offering an important reflection on the irreplaceable role of the human heart in sacred art.
Spanish Painter Raúl Berzosa Says True Sacred Art Requires the Human Soul
Berzosa, well known for his collaborations with the Vatican’s philatelic projects, recently designed the commemorative stamp issued on May 8 to mark the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV. The stamp features a portrait of the Holy Father beneath the loving gaze of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, whose feast the Church celebrates on the same day.
According to him, the image of the Blessed Virgin looking down upon the Pope symbolizes “maternal protection,” reflecting the spiritual depth that sacred imagery seeks to communicate.
Sacred Art Is More Than an Image
Speaking to ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language news partner of EWTN, Berzosa reflected not only on his latest Vatican commission but also on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in religious art.
The Málaga-born artist has created several notable works for the Vatican over the years, including commemorative stamps for Pope Francis’ 80th birthday, the golden jubilee of his priestly ordination, and Easter celebrations released by the Vatican Philatelic Office.
While acknowledging that AI can generate visually striking images, Berzosa emphasized that sacred art involves far more than technical perfection.
“I believe sacred art is not merely the final result we see,” he explained. “It is the product of reflection, prayer, time, and effort. That is what gives the work the artist’s personal imprint.”
According to him, AI-generated images often appear beautiful but lack originality and emotional depth. “AI does not live what it depicts,” he noted. “The artist leaves something of himself in every work.”
The Danger of Losing the Sacred
He warned that the rapid rise of AI-generated religious imagery risks turning sacred subjects into superficial or fantasy-like visuals. He observed that many AI creations rely heavily on dramatic lighting, flawless faces, and emotionally exaggerated scenes that often resemble one another.
Throughout Christian history, sacred art has developed through countless unique styles shaped by faith, culture, and lived spiritual experience. Berzosa believes this rich diversity stands in sharp contrast to the increasingly uniform character of AI-produced imagery.
He also revealed the strange experience of seeing some of his own paintings digitally animated through AI technology. While technically impressive, the experience left him with “a bittersweet feeling.”
Human Discernment Remains Essential
Despite his concerns, Berzosa does not reject technology entirely. Instead, he sees AI as a possible tool that artists may use responsibly for inspiration, composition studies, or experimenting with light and design.
“Technology is not the enemy of art,” he said. “Artists throughout history have always used new tools.”
However, he strongly stressed that human discernment remains essential, especially in sacred art, whose purpose is not simply decoration but evangelization.
Religious images, he explained, are meant to lead people closer to God and communicate the message of the Gospel. For that reason, sacred art requires human sensitivity, faith, and spiritual understanding — qualities no machine can fully replicate.
In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Berzosa’s reflections serve as a timely reminder that while technology may imitate beauty, true sacred art is ultimately born from the human soul.
Courtesy Andrés Henríquez via EWTN
Photo courtesy of Raúl Berzosa