Pope Leo XIV has raised urgent concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence, warning it could harm future generations. Speaking at a Vatican conference on AI ethics, he emphasized the potential risks to young people’s intellectual, neurological, and spiritual development. The pope stressed that society must guide youth toward maturity rather than let technology hinder their growth. He acknowledged AI as a product of human ingenuity but insisted it should remain a tool, not a threat to human dignity.
The new pope, who took office in May, has made AI a key focus, echoing his predecessor Pope Francis’ calls for regulation. His chosen name, Leo XIV, honors Pope Leo XIII, who championed workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo warned that while AI offers advancements, wisdom lies in preserving life’s true meaning over data-driven decisions. The Vatican-hosted conference underscored the Church’s commitment to shaping ethical discussions on AI’s societal impact.
