Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost), explained his choice of name as pontiff on May 10, 2025: "Pope Leo XIII, in his historic Encyclical Rerum Novarum, addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution. In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour."
Like his predecessor, Francis, Leo XIV attaches great importance to the subject of AI which seems to hold great potential for the future, but also poses very serious threats that have the potential of bringing an end to the human race. The Michael Journal devoted a special report to this subject in its March-April 2025 issue. Here are large excerpts from Pope Leo XIV's presentation on June 17, 2025, to participants at the 2nd Annual Conference on Artificial Intelligence, held at the Vatican:
"Together with its extraordinary potential to benefit the human family, the rapid development of AI also raises deeper questions concerning the proper use of such technology in generating a more authentically just and human global society. In this sense, while undoubtedly an exceptional product of human genius, AI is "above all else a tool" (Pope Francis, Address at the G7 Session on Artificial Intelligence, June 14, 2024).
"By definition, tools point to the human intelligence that crafted them and draw much of their ethical force from the intentions of the individuals that wield them. In some cases, AI has been used in positive and indeed noble ways to promote greater equality, but there is likewise the possibility of its misuse for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression.
"For its part, the Church wishes to contribute to a serene and informed discussion of these pressing questions by stressing above all the need to weigh the ramifications of AI in light of the "integral development of the human person and society" (Note Antiqua et Nova, 6). This entails taking into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually; it means safeguarding the inviolable dignity of each human person and respecting the cultural and spiritual riches and diversity of the world's peoples. Ultimately, the benefits or risks of AI must be evaluated precisely according to this superior ethical criterion.
"Sadly, as the late Pope Francis pointed out, our societies today are experiencing a certain "loss, or at least an eclipse, of the sense of what is human," and this in turn challenges all of us to reflect more deeply on the true nature and uniqueness of our shared human dignity. AI, especially Generative AI, has opened new horizons on many different levels, including enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery, but also raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions on humanity's openness to truth and beauty, on our distinctive ability to grasp and process reality. Acknowledging and respecting what is uniquely characteristic of the human person is essential to the discussion of any adequate ethical framework for the governance of AI.
"All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development. Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility. They are our hope for the future, and society's well-being depends upon their being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities, and to respond to the demands of the times and the needs of others with a free and generous spirit.
"No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI. But again, access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence, which necessarily "involves the person's openness to the ultimate questions of life and reflects an orientation toward the True and the Good". In the end, authentic wisdom has more to do with recognizing the true meaning of life, than with the availability of data. In this light, dear friends… the task set before you is not easy, but it is one of vital importance."
Leo XIV
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