Pope Leo XIV speaks out on AI as critical threat to humanity
The new pope makes AI a central theme of his pontificate (photo: Getty Images)
Artificial intelligence has become one of the key themes in Pope Leo XIV's first address to the College of Cardinals in the Vatican. The new head of the Catholic Church believes that AI presents serious challenges to humanity and society's social foundations, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Leo XIV draws inspiration from his namesake, Leo XIII, who, at the end of the 19th century, defended workers' rights during the Industrial Revolution. The modern pontiff emphasizes protecting human beings in the era of digital transformation.
What is known
Following his election as the head of the Vatican, Leo XIV positions himself as a defender of fundamental human values in the face of rapid technological progress.
His focus on AI reflects growing public concerns—from mass job displacement to privacy issues and increasing inequality.
This echoes the social stance of Leo XIII, who advocated for the rights of wage workers and social justice in the Gilded Age.
What the Vatican says
The Pope emphasizes that in a world dominated by technology, we must remember that human dignity remains the true measure of progress, not progress for its own sake.
The Vatican believes AI's impact on healthcare, the labor market, and power distribution among tech giants urgently requires ethical and legal evaluation. The Church is ready to participate in shaping such frameworks.
Reaction from Silicon Valley
According to media reports, companies like Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants are already seeking dialogue with the new pontiff to encourage a more positive perception of technology.
However, experts believe that Leo XIV's position in the coming months will determine whether the Vatican becomes an ally of technological reforms or a moral counterbalance to unchecked innovation.
According to a 2023 study by the Oxford Institute, 47% of jobs in developed countries are at high risk of automation due to advances in AI and robotics. This underscores the urgency of discussing ethical and social consequences.
You may be interested in:
- The Pope made an important statement about Easter
- The Pope called on Putin to make a gesture for peace with Ukraine
- How generative AI is already affecting our jobs today
