Pope Leo XIV Addresses AI Risks, Vows Church Action
In his inaugural address as Pope, Leo XIV delivered a compelling message to the College of Cardinals, emphasizing the urgent need for the Catholic Church to address the ethical and societal challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that AI presents significant risks to human dignity and called for proactive measures grounded in moral clarity and decisive action.
Speaking from the New Synod Hall, Pope Leo XIV drew parallels between the current rapid advancements in AI technology and the profound social and economic transformations of the 19th-century Industrial Revolution. He asserted that the Church has a historical role to play in safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers and promoting justice in the face of technological upheaval.
Referencing Pope Leo XIII’s landmark encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which addressed the social question during the first Industrial Revolution, Pope Leo XIV stated that the Church must once again offer its rich tradition of social teaching to navigate the complexities of the AI revolution. He emphasized that these teachings provide a valuable framework for ensuring that technological progress serves humanity rather than the other way around.
Cardinal Dolan characterized Pope Leo XIV as a "citizen of the world" committed to building bridges with global leaders. The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, marks a historic moment as he is the first American to assume the papacy. His background as a missionary and his leadership of the Dicastery for Bishops have equipped him with a broad understanding of global issues and a deep commitment to pastoral care. His fluency in English, Spanish, and Italian further enhances his ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. He was also widely viewed as a unifying choice after the death of Pope Francis.
The choice of the name "Leo" carries symbolic significance, linking his papacy to the legacy of Pope Leo XIII and his focus on social justice. This connection signals Pope Leo XIV’s intention to continue the Church’s long-standing commitment to addressing the social and economic challenges of each era.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the significant strides made by the Vatican under Pope Francis in expanding its digital outreach. He highlighted the restructuring of media operations, the successful launch of social media initiatives, and the development of ethical guidelines for AI. The "Rome Call for AI Ethics," a joint initiative between the Church and tech leaders, exemplifies this commitment to promoting transparency and responsible development in AI.
Pope Leo XIV affirmed his intention to build upon these foundations, emphasizing that AI is a powerful force with the potential to reshape labor markets, social structures, and even our understanding of human identity. He stressed the paramount importance of prioritizing people over profit in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
"These are Gospel principles through which the merciful face of the Father has been revealed and continues to be revealed in the Son made man," he stated. "Let us take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey, inspired by the same hope that is born of faith."
He further urged Catholics to cultivate inner peace and discernment amidst the distractions of the digital age. Quoting Scripture, he reminded them that God often speaks not through grand displays of power but in the "whisper of a gentle breeze" or "the sound of sheer silence," inviting them to seek deeper spiritual connection in a world saturated with information.
The Pope also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, acknowledging the sorrowful yet grace-filled moment of transition. He described the election of a new pope as a "paschal event," a spiritual turning point, and expressed gratitude for Pope Francis’s life of service.
"I would like us to renew together today our complete commitment to the path that the universal Church has now followed for decades in the wake of the Second Vatican Council," he declared, reaffirming his commitment to the Church’s ongoing journey of renewal and reform. He also encouraged more listening, dialogue and care for the poor.
He called for increased listening, dialogue, and compassion for the poor, reflecting the Church’s unwavering commitment to social justice and the preferential option for the poor.
As Vatican Media reported, Pope Leo XIV’s remarks presented a vision of a Church deeply rooted in tradition yet prepared to embrace the future with courage, particularly in its response to technologies that are reshaping human identity. His emphasis on ethical considerations and the importance of human dignity underscores the Church’s commitment to ensuring that technological progress serves the common good.
