Pilgrimage in the digital age : spiritual pluralism and AI-supported transformation on the Camino de Santiago
Romanje v digitalni dobi : duhovni pluralizem in z umetno inteligenco podprta transformacija na poti Camino de Santiago

english

2025

volume 80, issue 2

AI and spirituality   Camino de Santiago   integrative perspective   pilgrimage   spiritual transformation

Univerza v Ljubljani, Teološka fakulteta
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

The Camino de Santiago has emerged in late modernity as a ritual space where diverse spiritual, religious, and secular orientations converge. This article explores the Camino as a site of spiritual pluralism and self-transcendence, highlighting its transformative potential for pilgrims independent of doctrinal belief. Drawing on empirical studies, we demonstrate that the pilgrimage experience fosters exceptional human experiences (EHEs), personal growth, and a shift in values toward universalism and benevolence. Embracing an integrative perspective on spirituality, we propose a framework for designing ethically grounded, AI-guided pilgrimage companions that support rather than commodify the journey. Instead of serving merely logistical functions, such AI systems can nurture reflection, facilitate encounters with diverse spiritual perspectives, and reinforce the Camino’s communitarian and existential ethos. This vision invites further interdisciplinary research on how digital tools can enhance spiritually meaningful human experiences.

20.01.2026