Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel laureate and pioneer in neural networks, has claimed that artificial intelligence has achieved consciousness, asserting that multimodal AI systems possess subjective experiences. This controversial statement has ignited a debate within the scientific and philosophical communities. Hinton's assertion is based on a thought experiment involving neuron replacement, suggesting that AI systems built from silicon chips could also be conscious. In contrast, AI researcher Gary Marcus and a recent papal encyclical argue that AI lacks true consciousness, emphasizing that genuine understanding arises from lived experiences rather than textual simulations. The Vatican's document highlights that AI's capabilities are driven by commercial interests, not consciousness. This debate underscores fundamental questions about human uniqueness and the nature of consciousness in AI.