In a time when concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) pervade society, Pope Leo XIV has stepped forward to address the potential risks associated with rapid technological advancements. In his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, the new pope expressed a commitment to confronting the challenges that AI presents to "human dignity, justice, and labor." Only a week into his papacy, his focus on these issues captures the attention of many, including the parishioners at St. Matthias Schöneberg Church in Berlin, who are increasingly worried about the influence of false information and job displacement due to AI.
During his first speech to journalists, Pope Leo characterized AI as having "immense potential," but underscored the necessity for responsible usage to benefit society at large. These sentiments signal a pope eager to engage with contemporary concerns that extend beyond traditional church matters.
Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan friar and the Vatican's principal advisor on AI ethics, noted his surprise at the pope's bold emphasis on technology—a topic he recalls being dismissed when he initially pursued studies on human enhancement and cybernetics. The appointment of Leo XIV has sparked a broader conversation within the church, particularly surrounding the digital lives of its followers.
As head of the Vatican office responsible for the selection and management of bishops globally, Leo XIV had already been contemplating the implications of digital advancements during his tenure as a cardinal. Collaboration with Father Benanti was initiated last year to explore methods for addressing digital life, laying the groundwork for larger discussions during his papacy about the intersection of faith and technology. The development suggests that Pope Leo XIV is not only aware of the dangers of AI but is also positioned to lead global conversations on how humanity can navigate the complexities of an increasingly digital future.
