Pope Leo XIV issued a strong caution to global political leaders on Saturday, highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence and its potential risks, especially for younger generations.
Speaking during a high-level event attended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and parliamentary delegations from 68 countries, the pontiff emphasized that AI must remain a tool for human advancement, not a substitute for human dignity or creativity.
“Artificial intelligence must serve humanity, not diminish or replace it,” Pope Leo said at the gathering, part of the Roman Catholic Church’s Jubilee, or Holy Year, celebrations. It marks the latest in a series of public comments he has made about the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies since assuming the papacy in May.
The U.S.-born pope warned against the unchecked expansion of AI into areas traditionally reserved for human intellect and empathy. He stressed that while AI offers benefits—such as automating routine tasks and accelerating innovation—it cannot replicate the complexity of human memory or the emotional richness of social relationships.
“Our personal life has greater value than any algorithm,” he said. “Social relationships require development far beyond what a soulless machine can pre-package.”
Prime Minister Meloni echoed the pope’s sentiments, pledging Italy’s commitment to ensuring that AI development remains firmly under human control and prioritizes human wellbeing. “We will treasure the pope’s teachings,” she said. “Italy will continue to work nationally and internationally to ensure that AI remains a force for good.”
The pope also voiced concern about the growing inequality between the world’s richest and poorest populations, linking the ethical development of AI to broader issues of social justice.
Pope Leo has previously called on journalists and institutions to use AI responsibly and has raised alarms about its potential to disrupt employment. His latest remarks reinforce his stance that technology must serve—not steer—the course of human society.
