Pope Leo XIV has declared artificial intelligence one of the most pressing concerns of our time, emphasising its far-reaching impact on human dignity, justice, and employment. In his first audience with all cardinals since ascending to the papacy, he drew historical parallels with the Industrial Revolution, referencing Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the exploitation of workers during a period of rapid technological and economic change.
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Speaking in Rome on Saturday, Pope Leo reflected on the Church’s responsibility to uphold its social teachings amidst a new technological era. “In our own day,” he said, “the Church offers everyone the treasury of its social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence.” His remarks echo the concerns raised by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had increasingly urged international regulation of AI during the final years of his pontificate.
Leo XIV praised Francis for his humility, commitment to service, and spiritual strength, noting his enduring influence on the Church. “Let us take up this precious legacy,” Leo said, “and continue on the journey, inspired by the same hope that is born of faith.” His message was one of both caution and continuity, stressing that the Church must remain vigilant and morally grounded in the face of emerging technologies.
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The Pope’s address came just days after former US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as pope on Truth Social, shortly after attending Pope Francis’s funeral. The image was widely criticised, with Italian senator Matteo Renzi calling it offensive to believers and institutions. The incident reignited concerns over the growing prevalence of AI-generated content and the ethical implications of deepfake technology, which Pope Francis had previously warned could distort reality, undermine democratic processes, and dangerously desensitise societies to the horrors of modern warfare.
