Pope Leo XIV Cautions on AI Risks
- Staff Correspondent
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has made artificial intelligence a priority in his new papacy. In recent speeches at the Vatican, he emphasized the importance of caution and ethics in the development of AI, cautioning that technology “poses new challenges” to fundamental human principles.
During his initial formal speech as the newly chosen pope of the Vatican on Saturday, he informed the audience that AI should be approached with extreme caution- urging both journalists and the public to engage with it using “responsibility and discernment”.
This alert mirrors wider worries about the societal effects of AI and arises as major technological driven economies struggle with regulation and risks.
In his first formal meeting with the College of Cardinals, Leo XIV recognized Artificial Intelligence as a significant concern for humanity.
He stated that the Church needs to take a leading role in addressing emerging technological dangers and pointed to AI as a key illustration.
He said
AI posed “new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour”.
In simpler terms, the Pope cautioned that AI might threaten human rights, fair work conditions and social justice if not guided by social equity. The pontiff spoke of continuing the “precious legacy” of Pope Francis, signaling that the Church’s modernizing reforms – including dialogue with the digital age – will continue to be a priority during his tenure.
Leo XIV’s remarks to the press reinforced this message. During his initial meeting with numerous international journalists on May 12, he urged media professionals to approach AI with caution. He advised them to utilize AI with “responsibility and discernment”, guaranteeing that these tools contribute positively to society rather than create misunderstanding.
In 2023, Francis became a target of false information from AI when an artificially created image of him in a fashionable puffer jacket circulated widely on the internet — marking one of the initial major occurrences that highlighted how AI can deceive and spread incorrect information.
He asked them to make sure that AI is used for the benefit of everyone, allowing it to aid all of humanity.
These statements highlight that even in routine journalism, the new Pope views AI as a tool that requires ethical management. Vatican statements and press accounts indicate that Leo advocates for a thoughtful, balanced, people-centered perspective on AI – a viewpoint that aligns with previous Vatican calls for global regulation of the technology.
Even the selection of his papal name shows Leo XIV’s emphasis on the influence of technology. When inquired about his choice of the name Leo ( given that his birth name is Robert Prevost), the Pope mentioned that he drew motivation from by Pope Leo XIII, a 19th-century pontiff recognized for “Rerum Novarum” also known as “Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor”.
He indicated that he chose this name partly to honor Leo XIII’s commitment to social justice. Crucially, Leo XIV connected that commitment to current issues- he pointed out that modern “social teaching” must tackle the challenges introduced by AI. As one report explains, the new pope informed cardinals that in the spirit of Leo XIII’s spirit, the Church ought to implement its doctrine to emerging issues – specifically noting that artificial intelligence is the latest upheaval “bringing the modern-day revolution” in labor and society.
In short, the name he chose indicates that the importance of workers and human dignity is relevant even in the age of technology.
Pope Leo XIV’s statements arise during an increasing worldwide discussion regarding AI ethics. His statements reflect recent cautions from Pope Francis and global gatherings that stress the need for AI to focus on people.
By addressing AI in both official sermons and press remarks, Leo conveys a strong & clear message to countries like the United States, the UK, India and others: progress should go hand in hand with moral accountability. While he hasn’t offered specific technical solutions, his appeal to safeguard “human dignity, justice and labour” in the light of emerging challenges posed by AI highlights a recurring theme.
In conclusion, the newly appointed Pope presents artificial intelligence not merely as a technological advancement but as a matter of ethics. His press and pulpit warnings urge tech leaders and society at large to use AI for the common good, guarding against risks to human rights and values. The focus on responsibility, discernment and social teaching acts as a Vatican-backed reminder: the AI transformation, despite its potential, should be directed by empathy and principles centered on humanity.
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