In a pivotal moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has taken a strong stance on the potential dangers posed by artificial intelligence (AI), underscoring the need for ethical guidelines and responsible usage. Speaking at his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals and in a subsequent meeting with journalists, Pope Leo highlighted that while AI has “immense potential,” it must be harnessed “for the good of all,” particularly concerning human dignity, justice, and labor rights.
At St. Matthias Schöneberg Church in Berlin, parishioners express their deep-seated worries regarding AI. Family members, especially parents, share anxieties about children encountering misinformation due to AI chatbots, while teachers at the local parish school actively combat AI-facilitated cheating. Among the congregation of 12,000 globally diverse Catholics, numerous interpreters voice fears that advancements in AI may render their professions obsolete.
This emerging focus by Pope Leo XIV reflects a broader recognition of the social and ethical implications of AI. Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan friar and the Vatican’s leading voice on AI ethics, is notably inspired by the pope’s proactive approach. Remembering a time when discussing the intersection of technology and theology was viewed skeptically, Benanti notes, “It’s astonishing that as a primary topic, AI is now on the papal agenda.”
In his previous role as head of the Vatican department overseeing bishops worldwide, Leo XIV was already contemplating the ethical dimensions of AI. His inquiries last year, prompted discussions with Benanti and other Vatican leaders about navigating the complexities of digital life. As this new papacy progresses, there remains a collective hope that Pope Leo XIV's commitment to addressing the challenges of modern technology will resonate deeply within the Church and beyond, ensuring that advancements serve the greater good.
