Introduction
Robert Wenzel was asked whether a chatbot could support pastoral conversations. The question sounded technical, but it landed in a place shaped by grief, shame and the fear of being alone at the wrong hour.
Robert lives in Salzburg and moderates discussions about AI ethics in care, counselling and community life. His background is pastoral work, hospital visits and conversations where listening mattered more than answering quickly.
Story of the Path into AI
Robert did not want to dismiss the question. Some people are lonely, and digital tools may offer orientation when no one is available. But he also knew that vulnerability is not a customer-service category. He began attending AI ethics seminars, speaking with caregivers and testing chatbots in carefully limited scenarios.
His first project was a discussion circle that evaluated AI in grief support, care and counselling through concrete cases. The abstract debate changed when participants read a simulated late-night conversation with someone in despair. The central issue was not whether the bot sounded kind. It was who would intervene when kindness was not enough.
Robert learned to ask for escalation plans before judging a tool.
Current Work
Today he helps communities and care facilities ask ethical questions before introducing digital systems. In one chatbot project for lonely people, he pushed for clear human responsibility when despair, confusion or risk becomes visible. The group created an escalation plan instead of relying on soothing language.
Robert sees progress in more precise conversations. Institutions discuss AI less fearfully, but also less naively. For him, a system that answers should not be confused with a person who can listen, remember and be accountable.
Personal Advice
“Not everything that answers is listening,” Robert says. He advises organizations to define who carries responsibility before a tool meets vulnerable people.
Key Facts
Age and place: 76, Salzburg.
Background: retirement, pastoral practice, ethical public dialogue.
Entry into AI: discussion circle on AI in grief support, care and counselling.
Focus today: AI and pastoral or care-related ethics.
Typical tools: ethics dialogues, case analysis, chatbot review.
Werkstattnotiz
Robert’s case cards are stored in an old hymn folder. He likes the mismatch. It reminds him that new systems enter old human situations. His current concern is the pleasant answer that calms a room before anyone has checked whether help is actually available.