VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV identified artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the greatest challenges facing humanity during his first formal audience on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his papacy with a call for ethical guidance in the digital age.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his election, Pope Leo XIV committed to continuing the reforms of his predecessor, Pope Francis, with a focus on inclusivity, social justice, and the Church’s role in addressing global issues.
The Pope said AI presents risks to human dignity, justice, and employment, and emphasized the need for the Church to take an active role in global discussions surrounding technological development.
The pontiff made a surprise visit to a sanctuary in Rome ahead of his formal address, where he outlined his priorities and expressed admiration for Pope Leo XIII, after whom he chose his papal name.
He drew parallels between the social teachings of Pope Leo XIII and the current need to address the ethical dimensions of modern technology.
“Artificial intelligence raises questions about what it means to be human,” Pope Leo XIV said. “The Church must ensure that these innovations respect human life and promote the common good.”
Vatican officials say Pope Leo XIV will continue to advance the modernization agenda while grounding new initiatives in long-standing Church doctrine. His focus on AI aligns with ongoing efforts within the Vatican to study technology’s impact on society.
The Pope is expected to outline more detailed policy positions and initiatives during his upcoming general audience on May 21.
