The new Pope, Leo XIV, has made artificial intelligence (AI) a central theme in the early days of his papacy. In his first formal address to the cardinals on May 10, 2025, Pope Leo identified AI as one of the most critical challenges facing humanity today. He emphasized that developments in AI pose significant questions for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor, drawing a parallel to the social upheavals of the first industrial revolution addressed by his namesake, Pope Leo XIII.
Pope Leo explained that he chose his papal name to signal continuity with Leo XIII, who is remembered for his encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which addressed workers’ rights and social justice amid the industrial revolution. Leo XIV sees the current era-marked by rapid technological and AI advancements-as a new kind of industrial revolution, requiring the Church to update and apply its social teachings to defend vulnerable populations and uphold ethical standards.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the priorities of Pope Francis, including inclusivity, attention to the marginalized, and the ongoing reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Like Francis, Leo XIV warned that unchecked AI could threaten human relationships and dignity, and he echoed calls for international regulation to ensure AI remains human-centered and guided by values such as compassion, morality, and forgiveness.
In a particularly strong statement, Pope Leo warned that if the Church remains silent about AI’s dangers, the consequences for humanity could be catastrophic, urging the Church to take a leading role in the ethical discourse around AI before it is too late.
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