Pope Leo XIV: Addressing the Challenge of Artificial Intelligence

As Pope Leo XIV takes the helm of the Catholic Church, his attention turns to the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. In his inaugural addresses, he outlines the need for responsibility in its application to protect human dignity and labor rights, signaling a shift in the Church's engagement with modern technology.

Pope Leo XIV has taken the Catholic Church's helm with a distinct focus on the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence (A.I.), a topic that resonates deeply within communities across the globe. In his initial speeches, he has articulated both the “immense potential” of A.I. and the urgent need for responsible management of this advancing technology. This call for accountability resonates particularly among congregants of St. Matthias Schöneberg Church in Berlin, where parishioners express concerns about the potential for misinformation through chatbots and A.I.-enabled tools.

In his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, Leo XIV asserted that the Church will actively address the risks artificial intelligence poses to “human dignity, justice, and labor.” His early prioritization of A.I. reflects a modern understanding of the implications of technology in our lives. The awareness within the community is palpable, especially among parents worried about their children’s exposure to false information, and teachers confronting academic dishonesty facilitated by technology. Additionally, interpreters in the congregation fear that their livelihoods may be endangered due to the rise of A.I.

Father Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan friar and leading adviser on A.I. ethics at the Vatican, noted the "bold" direction set by Pope Leo XIV. He recalled discussions with the future pope in his previous role, where the implications of digital life, including A.I., were pivotal topics. Benanti’s experience reflects a significant evolution in the Catholic Church's engagement with technology—once regarded with skepticism, now a top priority of a papacy.

The path forward for Leo XIV is yet to be crystallized, but his public acknowledgment of A.I.'s transformative power positions him as a church leader attuned to contemporary issues. His approach invites dialogue within religious and secular communities about the ethical use of technology, ensuring that advancements serve the greater good and uphold human dignity. This innovative focus indicates a shift within the Church to meet the complexities of a rapidly changing world.