Snežana Brumec and Ivan Platovnjak Pilgrimage in the Digital Age: Spiritual Pluralism and AI‑Suppor t ed T r ansf or mation on the Camino de Santiago Romanje v digitalni dobi: duhovni pluralizem in z umetno inteligenco podprta transformacija na poti Camino de Santiago Abstract: The Camino de Santiago has emerged in late modernity as a ritual space where di- verse 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 integra- tive 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 en- counters 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. Keywords: Camino de Santiago, pilgrimage, AI and spirituality, spiritual transformation, in- tegrative perspective Izvleček: Camino de Santiago se je v pozni moderni dobi uveljavil kot ritualni prostor, kjer se srečujejo pripadniki različnih duhovnih, religijskih in sekularnih usmeritev. Članek razi- skuje Camino kot prostor duhovnega pluralizma in samotranscendence ter poudarja njegov transformativni potencial neodvisno od romarjevega prepričanja. Na podlagi empiričnih študij pokažemo, da romanje spodbuja izjemne človekove izkušnje (IČI), osebnostno rast ter spremembo osebne hierarhije vrednot v smeri univerzalizma in benevolence. V okviru integrativne perspektive duhovnosti predlagamo zasnovo etično utemeljenih, z umetno inteli- genco (UI) podprtih romarskih spremljevalcev, ki ne komodificirajo poti, temveč jo podpirajo. Takšni UI-sistemi ne opravljajo le logistične funkcije, temveč lahko spodbujajo refleksijo, omogočajo srečevanje pripadnikov različnih duhovnih usmeritev in krepijo skupnostni ter eksistencialni značaj Camina. Ta vizija odpira prostor za nadaljnje interdisciplinarne razi- skave o tem, kako lahko digitalna orodja poglabljajo duhovno osmišljene človekove izkušnje. Edinost in dialog Unity and Dialogue 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 Izvirni znanstveni članek Original scientific paper (1.01) Besedilo prejeto Received: 17. 4. 2025; Sprejeto Accepted: 2. 6. 2025 UDK UDC: 27-57(460Camino de Santiago):004.89 DOI: 10.34291/Edinost/80/02/Brumec © 2025 Brumec & Platovnjak CC BY 4.0 174 Edinost in dialog 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 SNEŽANA BRUMEC AND IVAN PLATOVNJAK Ključne besede: Camino de Santiago, romanje, umetna inteligenca in duhovnost, duhovna transformacija, integrativna perspektiva Introduction We are living in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that Lin and Chang (2023) argue mimics human intelligence and thought proces- ses. 1 According to the Coursera Staff (2024), AI refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only humans could do — such as reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. Despite its impressive development, the question of whether AI constitutes true intelligence remains contested. Žalec (2023, 814) questions whether AI possesses the core attributes of intelligence, while McGilchrist (2024) argues that it merely processes information, lacking depth, value orienta- tion, and contextual understanding. While McGilchrist (2024) warns of a growing risk that humanity may become subjugated to machines, arguing that this represents not a distant apocalypse but an ongoing one, others such as Isbrücker (2024) suggest that dystopian or utopian framings often obscure the fact that AI remains, fundamentally, a tool – and one whose im- pact depends entirely on the values embedded by its designers and users. AI's underlying logic mirrors the cognitive style of the left brain: it prio- ritizes control, data-processing, and efficiency – what McGilchrist (2009) considers hallmarks of modern Western society's abstraction and rationa- lization. As a possible counterbalance to this trajectory, spirituality – often grounded in intuition, embodiment, and holistic perception – is incre- asingly recognized as a defining feature of late modernity. Spirituality offers a way for individuals to seek meaning and purpose, navigate exis- tential uncertainty, and connect to something greater than themselves (Sheldrake 2012; Walach 2017). This spirituality has a certain resonance in contemporary holistic science, characterised both by a synthetic theo- retical approach that makes sense of surprising facts and by the collective nature of scientific communities that give scientific explanations the status 1 This paper was written as a result of work within the research project J6-60105 (Theology and Digitalization: Anthropological and Ethical Challenges) and research programme P6-0269 (Religion, Ethics, Education and the Challenges of Contemporary Society) which are financed by the Slovenian Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (ARIS). 175 Unity and Dialogue 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 PILGRIMAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SPIRITUAL PLURALISM AND AI‑SUPPORTED ... of reality (Pohar 2023). Yet, as Giddens (1991) and Berger and Luckmann (1995) observe, the disembedding of institutional religion from everyday life leaves modern individuals vulnerable to meaninglessness and onto- logical insecurity. Pilgrimage, especially on the Camino de Santiago, emerges as a powerful response to this crisis of meaning. As a rite of passage, pilgrimage recon- nects individuals to shared values and traditions, offering not only physical challenge and solitude but also a space for deep inner reflection, symbolic release, and community. Schnell and Pali (2013) speak of a »yearning for rituals« in late modernity – a trend clearly reflected in the exponential rise in the number of pilgrims walking the Camino: from under 3,000 in 1987 to over 499,200 in 2024 (Pilgrim’s Office 2025). 2 Pilgrimage is a liminal space. Here, individuals temporarily shed their soci- al identities and roles, entering into communitas – a space of equality, pre- sence, shared humanity, and the closeness of fellow beings (Brumec 2023). This experience is intensified by the rhythms of walking, the shared rituals at shrines like Cruz de Ferro and Alto del Perdón, and the egalitarian at- mosphere of pilgrim shelters (albergues), where people of vastly diffe- rent spiritualities meet as equals. As O'Mara (2019) explains, walking not only improves mental and physical health but fosters a sense of social connection through movement and rhythm. Even solitary pilgrims walk with and for an imagined community. Walking – especially with a higher purpose – strengthens social cohesion, deepens reflection, and inspires transformation. Contemplative walking also enables a deeper connection with transcendence or the Absolute, facilitating transformation in the spirit of the individual (Platovnjak and Zovko 2023). It is in this context that we propose to explore the possibilities of using AI to shape and support the holistic experience of pilgrimage – particularly 2 This count includes only those pilgrims who arrived in Santiago de Compostela and received the Compostela certificate from the Chapter of the Metropolitan Church. To obtain the Compostela, pil- grims must undertake the journey for religious or spiritual reasons – or at minimum with an attitude of personal searching – and complete at least the last 100 kilometers on foot or horseback (or 200 kilometers by bicycle), and collect official stamps in the Credencial del Peregrino as proof of passage along the route. 176 Edinost in dialog 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 SNEŽANA BRUMEC AND IVAN PLATOVNJAK on the Camino Francés. 3 Our aim is not to technologize spirituality, but to consider how AI, when designed with care, humility, and embedded universalist values, could serve as a tool for deepening the pilgrim's jour- ney. We draw inspiration from Hadar-Shoval et al. (2024), whose findings suggest that leading large language models (LLMs), such as those accessed via ChatGPT, already prioritize values like universalism and de-emphasize achievement and power. However, they also caution that such embedded value biases raise important concerns for culturally sensitive applications, including those in mental health or spiritual contexts. AI may reinforce certain value systems, while marginalizing others, if not carefully aligned with diverse human and spiritual experiences. Despite these concerns, we suggest that the Camino itself – through its structure, symbolism, and transformative power – already embodies a set of values aligned with universalism, humility, and human connection. Rather than shaping pilgrims according to the biases of AI, we propose that AI be shaped in service to the values that emerge from pilgrimage. This includes helping pilgrims prepare mentally and spiritually before the journey, supporting reflection and solitude during the walk, and assisting in the integration of transformative insights upon return. In this article, we explore whether and how AI could be responsibly used to co-shape the pilgrimage experience through an integrative perspecti- ve on spirituality. This perspective encourages pilgrims to listen deeply, to engage in dialogue with others across religious, secular, and esoteric worldviews, and to return to society with a renewed capacity for univer- salism, humility, and care for the common good and our shared home – the planet. By supporting not only individual self-transcendence but also shared meaning-making, AI might contribute to nurturing communitas in a digitally mediated age, creating spaces of harmony and mutual respect among diverse seekers on the way. 3 According to data from the Pilgrim’s Office (2025), the Camino Francés is the most popular route leading to Santiago de Compostela. It is named after its traditional starting point in Saint-Jean-Pied- de-Port, located at the foot of the French Pyrenees. The route spans approximately 800 kilometers and typically requires four to five weeks of walking. 177 Unity and Dialogue 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 PILGRIMAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SPIRITUAL PLURALISM AND AI‑SUPPORTED ... 1 Integrative Perspective on Spirituality In contemporary discourse, spirituality is increasingly recognized as a complex and multifaceted concept that extends beyond traditional reli- gious boundaries. A growing body of research highlights the distinction between spirituality and religion, allowing for more inclusive interpreta- tions that address diverse individual experiences and needs (Rego et al. 2018; Moreira et al. 2020; Counted et al. 2023). While spirituality often emerges within religious or esoteric contexts, it is no longer confined to institutional or doctrinal frameworks (Sheldrake 2012). Religious spirituality is grounded in personal and communal relation- ships with the divine as articulated within specific religious traditions. It provides a path to meaning and purpose through sacred texts, rituals, commandments, and faith-based practices. This form of spirituality seeks union with God and a holistic vision of life grounded in relationality – with self, others, creation, and the divine (Walach 2017; Rego et al. 2018; Al-Daghistani 2023; Dahlke 2024; Platovnjak and Svetelj 2024). Secular spirituality, by contrast, offers a non-theistic route to personal growth and existential reflection. It centres on inner peace, emotional balance, and ethical responsibility toward others and the natural world. Drawing on sources such as nature, science, art, and philosophy, secular spirituality often employs practices like mindfulness, meditation, and cre- ative expression to foster connection and meaning (Walach 2017; Carneiro et al. 2020; Platovnjak and Svetelj 2024). Esoteric spirituality is characterized by personal quests for inner trans- formation and connection to a transcendent universal reality. It embra- ces symbolic language, mystical insights, and often secretive or initiatory practices rooted in traditions like Hermeticism, Kabbalah, or Taoism. This type of spirituality emphasizes autonomy, self-realization, and experien- tial knowledge of higher truths (Faivre 1994; Sheldrake 2012; Asprem and Strube 2021). Recognizing the richness and diversity of spiritual orientations, Platovnjak and Svetelj (2024) propose an integrative perspective on spirituality. This approach encourages mutual listening and dialogical engagement 178 Edinost in dialog 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 SNEŽANA BRUMEC AND IVAN PLATOVNJAK between religious, secular, and esoteric spiritualities. Rather than promo- ting syncretism or exclusivist truth claims, the integrative model seeks to honour the uniqueness of each path while affirming shared values and fostering mutual respect. It promotes spiritual humility and a collective commitment to the common good and care for our common home, cul- tivating a space of harmony and respectful dialogue among diverse se- ekers. A respectful attitude toward diverse forms of spirituality enables individuals to become more fully human within the framework of their own journey. Where diversity is embraced as a gift, fellow human beings are no longer seen as threats or competitors, but as companions and in- terlocutors on the path of spiritual growth. This integrative framework aligns with the ethos of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, where spiritual diversity is a lived experience. It provides a va- luable lens through which we can begin to explore how AI might be used not to standardize or commodify the spiritual journey, but to support and enrich it – respecting the pluralism and depth that make pilgrimage such a powerful transformative practice. 2 The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage The Camino de Santiago offers a unique ritual space where diverse spiri- tual orientations, motivations, and expectations intersect. As Oviedo et al. (2013) argue, in the context of late modernity, the Camino is characterized by the coexistence of contrasting forms of spirituality – where religious, spiritual, and secular pilgrims walk side by side, sharing the same physical and symbolic space. This spiritual pluralism (Margry 2008) enables a fluid interplay between tradition and individual interpretation, allowing for de- eply personal encounters with meaning, regardless of religious affiliation. Both atheist and religious pilgrims engage in experiences of horizontal and vertical transcendence – referring respectively to connection with nature, others, and the self, and to connection with the divine or a higher reality (Farias et al. 2019). As Brumec et al. (2023a) emphasize, there are no »purely religious« pilgrims on the Camino: religious motivation rarely appears in isolation. Instead, it coexists with spiritual and secular motives, 179 Unity and Dialogue 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 PILGRIMAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SPIRITUAL PLURALISM AND AI‑SUPPORTED ... reflecting a hybridization of intent that is emblematic of contemporary pilgrimage. Interestingly, even nonreligious pilgrims frequently participate in religious rituals. As Radcliffe (2012) notes, secular individuals often find personal meaning in acts such as embracing the statue of Saint James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This observation is confirmed by data from the CETUR study (2007–2010), which found that although 82% of pilgrims reported nonreligious motives for walking the Camino, the majority still participated in religious practices: over 70% embraced the statue of Saint James, more than 80% collected the Compostela, and approximately 97% attended the pilgrim’s mass. 4 Pilgrims on the Camino frequently undergo Exceptional Human Experiences (EHEs) – intense, transformative experiences triggered by the unique conditions of pilgrimage (Brumec et al. 2023b; 2024b). These in- clude encounters with natural beauty that elicit awe and a sense of tran- scendence and the sacred, visits to shrines and cathedrals, and prolonged periods of walking in silence. Ritual elements such as singing, physical exertion, and perceived life energy contribute to altered states of consci- ousness, enhancing the potential for inner transformation. Empirical research on post-pilgrimage outcomes (Brumec and Aracki Rosenfeld 2021; Brumec 2022a) reveals substantial psychological and spi- ritual growth among pilgrims. These include an increased appreciation of life, a strengthened sense of purpose, greater openness to others, dee- per self-acceptance, and an enriched spirituality. While values are generally stable over time, pilgrimage appears to reshape the value hierarchy of in- dividuals. A study based on Schwartz’s theory of basic human values (n = 500) demonstrated the most pronounced increases in universalism and 4 In connection with these findings, the French academic and writer Jean-Christophe Rufin (2016) offers a compelling reflection in his travelogue The Santiago Pilgrimage: Walking the Immortal Way. Explaining why he, as a self-identified non-religious person, chose to attend the final pilgrim Mass at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, he writes: »We should stick to the rules of the game: since the Church has appropriated this pilgrimage, which in my opinion is filled with a wider, more abstract spirituality, we should let it provide the finale. Unlike the individual and almost dreamlike gesture of the visitors, who embrace the saint one after the other, the pilgrims’ High Mass is a real moment of communion. It is a crucible, which melts together all the differences, the journeys, the ordeals of each pilgrim, to create a beautiful alloy of pure sound for the duration of a prayer.« 180 Edinost in dialog 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 SNEŽANA BRUMEC AND IVAN PLATOVNJAK benevolence, suggesting a heightened concern for the welfare of others. Conversely, values related to self-enhancement – such as power, dominan- ce, 5 and personal achievement – significantly decreased (Brumec 2022b). Further findings (Brumec 2024b) indicate that pilgrims often report an en- hanced sense of authenticity, equanimity, moral clarity, and connection with life’s deeper meaning. Many describe a renewed sense of life mission and a commitment to contributing to the common good. These shifts are understood as markers of self-transcendence – a movement beyond self-interest toward values that support collective well-being and the flo- urishing of humanity. Brumec (2023) found that pilgrims foster an egalitarian and creative com- munity that transcends generic social bonds. This community is characte- rized by profound comradeship, mutual generosity, and a shared ethos of humility, with wisdom regarded as an ontological value. In contrast, participants who engage in the pilgrimage solely through organized group tours for the final 100 kilometres are often not perceived as fully integrated into this community and are classified as pseudo-pilgrims. Thus, the Camino de Santiago serves not only as a physical journey but also as a transformative psychosocial and spiritual process (Roszak and Mróz 2024). It fosters pluralistic, inclusive spirituality while strengthening self-transcendence values, making it a powerful site for personal growth and social reconnection. 3 Designing a transformative AI‑guided Camino pilgrimage experience To preserve the Camino Francés as a spiritually meaningful pilgrimage rather than a commodified touristic product, AI can be conceptualized not as a logistical planner or a commercial tool, but as a supportive tool for spi- ritual guidance, helping pilgrims engage more deeply with their journey 5 Regarding human dominion over nature, which is found in the Biblical text about creation in Genesis 1:1–2:3, see Lülik (2024, 125–150). 181 Unity and Dialogue 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 PILGRIMAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SPIRITUAL PLURALISM AND AI‑SUPPORTED ... without replacing human presence and personal insight (Lumbreras and Garrido-Merchan 2024). In this role, AI would serve to foster self-reflection, solitude, communitas, and the cultivation of universal values througho- ut the journey. The following proposals outline how such an AI-guided experience could be designed in accordance with the ethical principles of universalism and the psychological framework of self-transcendence. What sets AI apart from traditional media – such as guidebooks, video series, or podcasts – is its ability to personalize content in real time based on each pilgrim’s individual needs, pace, and spiritual orientation. By le- arning from walking patterns (e.g. via GPS), conversational interactions, and personal reflections, AI can tailor daily prompts, suggest appropriate rituals, and offer meaningful quotes aligned with the pilgrim’s values and mood. Rather than providing generic guidance, it becomes an adaptive spiritual companion that walks alongside each individual, supporting their unique path of growth. This dynamic responsiveness enables AI to function not merely as an informational tool, but as a facilitator of lived, contextualized meaning-making. To realize this potential, the AI system must be intentionally designed with a focus not on efficiency or entertainment, but on deepening the existential and spiritual quality of the pilgrimage. This requires aligning its functionalities with the core ethics of the Camino itself—simplicity, pre- sence, inner work, and mutual respect. The following sections propose how AI can translate these values into practice, not by imposing a singular experience, but by gently adapting to each pilgrim’s path while preserving the integrity and sacredness of the journey. 3.1 AI‑Personalized itinerary planning based on pilgrimage ethics AI could assist pilgrims in designing individualized itineraries grounded in the core values and ethics of pilgrimage by: • encouraging the completion of the full Camino Francés or a significant uninterrupted segment, promoting continuity and depth of experien- ce over fragmented touristic consumption; • discouraging the use of buses or organized luggage transfer services, and instead emphasizing the symbolic and psychological significance 182 Edinost in dialog 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 SNEŽANA BRUMEC AND IVAN PLATOVNJAK of carrying one’s own backpack – a practice associated with the trans- formative process of letting go, as pilgrims confront both their physical and metaphorical burdens and come to recognize the value of simpli- city and non-attachment (Brumec et al. 2023b); • suggesting a walking rhythm that privileges solitude and introspection during the day, complemented by opportunities for communal inte- raction in the evenings – such as in albergues, churches, or spiritual circles; • highlighting key symbolic and spiritual landmarks – such as Alto del Perdón, Cruz de Ferro, and O Cebreiro – while offering reflections on their interreligious significance and transformative potential. Additionally, AI tools can promote a deeper appreciation of the religious meaning embedded in Christian symbols and sacred architecture along the Camino. Since these elements were originally created within the Christian tradition, pilgrims – regardless of their own affiliation, whether belonging to another religion, an esoteric group, or a secular spirituali- ty – can be encouraged to explore their original symbolism. This fosters a respectful attitude toward Christian heritage and contributes to mutual understanding. When Christians participate in pilgrimages within other religious traditions, they likewise have the opportunity to encounter and appreciate the symbolic and spiritual meaning of those traditions. In this way, AI can nurture interspiritual sensitivity and reciprocity grounded in mutual respect. 3.2 AI‑enhanced reflection and meaning‑making AI can act as a virtual reflective companion, supporting pilgrims’ interior journey by: • providing daily reflective prompts that encourage individuals to deepen their spirituality within the framework of their own tradi- tion—be it religious, secular, or esoteric. Rather than promoting a uni- versalized spiritual narrative, this approach respects the uniqueness of each path and invites pilgrims to explore the richness of their own worldview while remaining open to the experiences of others. Only through such grounded engagement can one cultivate a deeper re- spect for one’s own spiritual journey and, by extension, for others’ 183 Unity and Dialogue 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 PILGRIMAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SPIRITUAL PLURALISM AND AI‑SUPPORTED ... as well. A respectful approach to spiritual diversity enables individu- als to become more fully human in the deepest sense – by growing in authenticity, compassion, and inner maturity; • suggesting rituals or symbolic actions at sacred sites – such as medi- tative silence at Cruz de Ferro or writing a personal letter at Alto del Perdón – that invite embodied meaning-making and personal trans- formation in ways aligned with the pilgrim’s belief system; • sharing testimonies, myths, and parables drawn from various tradi- tions to stimulate introspection and emotional resonance, without dissolving the specific contours of each spiritual or religious identity. This approach affirms the value of distinct spiritual frameworks and disco- urages homogenizing tendencies. It recognizes that respect for difference is not only possible but essential in nurturing authentic dialogue, mutual appreciation, and deep spiritual growth. 3.3 AI‑facilitated exposure to spiritual pluralism To support an integrative perspective on spirituality, the AI system could: • curate stories, interviews, or video diaries of pilgrims from diverse spiritual backgrounds – religious, non-religious, and esoteric – thereby encouraging empathy, mutual respect and acceptance, dialogue with every person and worldview, as well as interreligious and intercultural understanding; • invite pilgrims to journal or voice-record their responses to these per- spectives, encouraging reflection on their own evolving worldview and spiritual identity; • provide brief meditations on spiritual humility, shared values, and the ethics of coexistence, reinforcing the ethos of communitas as a bond among seekers. 3.4 Spiritually‑aligned albergue discovery Rather than defaulting to comfort or convenience, AI could guide pilgrims toward accommodation choices that enhance spiritual depth by: 184 Edinost in dialog 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 SNEŽANA BRUMEC AND IVAN PLATOVNJAK • recommending municipal, parochial, and value-driven private albergu- es known for communal meals, evening reflections, and shared rituals; • filtering out highly commercialized options and instead highlighting locations that preserve the Camino’s simple, reflective, and commu- nity-oriented character; • suggesting albergues that host interfaith dialogues or spiritual practi- ces open to all traditions, thereby supporting interspiritual learning rooted in mutual respect. For example, shared moments of silence or contemplative stillness can create a common spiritual space, al- lowing each participant to connect inwardly in accordance with their own worldview or tradition. 3.5 Ethically coded AI: a values‑based framework At its foundation, the AI system must be guided by a transparent and ethi- cally grounded architecture that: • prioritizes self-transcendence values – especially universalism and benevolence – over self-enhancement values such as achievement and power, while respecting and nurturing their emergence within each individual’s own spiritual framework. These values are present in every healthy spiritual tradition, though they are often overlooked. By supporting the growth of these values from within, rather than im- posing them externally, the AI system encourages authentic personal development and deeper spiritual integration; • upholds equal respect for all spiritual orientations, avoiding the pri- vileging of any singular religious tradition while remaining sensitive to Christian heritage; • rejects the commodification of the Camino, emphasizing its existential, moral, and communal dimensions as a sacred human journey. In this vision, AI is not a replacement for spiritual experience, but an am- plifier of awareness and connection. It neither directs nor dominates the pilgrimage but gently accompanies the pilgrim, offering resources, ques- tions, and insights to nurture reflection, humility, and openness. It can serve as a gentle encourager toward deepening one’s own spirituality, discovering the richness of other spiritual paths, and fostering respectful interconnectedness among all seekers. At the same time, it is important 185 Unity and Dialogue 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 PILGRIMAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SPIRITUAL PLURALISM AND AI‑SUPPORTED ... to acknowledge that key aspects of this ethical design – such as transparen- cy and value alignment – remain open challenges in current AI research and practice. 6 Conclusion The Camino de Santiago exemplifies how spirituality is evolving in late mo- dernity – becoming more experiential, inclusive, and dialogical. It brings together pilgrims from diverse religious, spiritual, and secular backgrou- nds in a shared ritual and symbolic space, where both horizontal (com- munal) and vertical (transcendent) dimensions of the sacred can unfold. As empirical research has shown, this journey often catalyses deep per- sonal transformation, fostering self-exploration, greater emotional and spiritual maturity, and a shift in values toward universalism, humility, and care for the common good. What distinguishes the Camino from similar experience is its plurali- stic and integrative character. It welcomes not only traditional religious expressions but also secular seekers and those drawn to esoteric or non- -institutional forms of spirituality. Here, spirituality does not emerge solely from inherited doctrine but is co-created through lived experience, embo- died rituals, and meaningful encounters. Even nonreligious pilgrims can engage deeply with symbols, silence, and shared practices, discovering spiritual resonance through authenticity and openness. In this context, AI holds the potential to serve not as a replacement for spiritual experience but as a gentle companion—an amplifier of awareness, meaning-making, and interconnection. When guided by principles rooted in self-transcendence, respect for diversity, and ethical sensitivity, AI can support the interior journey of the pilgrim as much as it does the physical one. It can curate reflective content, foster interspiritual understanding, 6 While transparency and ethical grounding are essential goals in building trustworthy AI, they remain technically and normatively difficult to achieve. In the literature, these are often referred to as the black box problem (lack of model interpretability) and the alignment problem (difficulty in ensuring that AI systems act in accordance with human values). For a comprehensive overview, see: Brian Christian, The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values (2020). 186 Edinost in dialog 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 SNEŽANA BRUMEC AND IVAN PLATOVNJAK and preserve the Camino's character as a sacred, transformative path rather than a commodified, touristic product. While AI has been used in religious and spiritual contexts – for example, in Arabic-language chatbots designed to support religious interaction and guidance (Alhumoud, Al Wazrah, and Aldamegh 2018), in AI-guided meditation apps like Replika that simulate human-like traits and values to function as emotionally supportive companions (Brown 2023), or in the growing phenomenon of online rituals such as virtual pilgrimage (Helland and Kienzl 2021) – these applications primarily focus on religious edu- cation, psychological support, or digitally mediated sacred experiences. To date, there are no known implementations or conceptual frameworks that use AI to accompany pilgrims in a pluralistic, ethically grounded, and spiritually supportive manner on physical pilgrimages such as the Camino de Santiago. This opens new avenues for interdisciplinary research into how emer- ging technologies can enhance spiritually meaningful human experiences across diverse contexts. Ultimately, the true promise of integrating AI into the pilgrimage experience lies in its capacity to nurture deeper spiritual engagement, support the unique path of each pilgrim, and promote a spirit of mutual respect, dialogue, and shared humanity – on the Camino and beyond. This paper was written as a result of work within the research project J6-60105 (Theology and Digitalization: Anthropological and Ethical Challenges) and research programme P6-0269 (Religion, Ethics, Education and the Challenges of Contemporary Society) which are financed by the Slovenian Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (ARIS). | No new data were created or analysed in support of this research. Za podporo tej raziskavi niso bili ustvarjeni ali analizirani nobeni novi podatki. 187 Unity and Dialogue 80 (2025) 2: 173–189 PILGRIMAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SPIRITUAL PLURALISM AND AI‑SUPPORTED ... References Al‑Daghistani, Raid. 2023. 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