Less than a week into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has made clear that addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence will be a central priority of his leadership.
In his first major address to the College of Cardinals, the new pontiff highlighted AI as a profound modern challenge threatening human dignity, justice, and labour rights, drawing parallels to the social upheavals of the Industrial Revolution.
During his initial remarks, Pope Leo XIV restated the Church’s role in responding to what he described as “another industrial revolution” driven by rapid technological advancements.
He underscored the need for responsible use of AI to ensure its benefits reach everyone without compromising ethical standards or human values.
The pope explained that his choice of the name Leo was inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who in the late 19th century addressed the social consequences of industrialisation and championed workers’ rights through the landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum.
By invoking this legacy, Pope Leo XIV signalled his intent to confront the ethical and social issues raised by AI with similar moral clarity.
Pope Leo XIV’s focus on AI continues the advocacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had increasingly warned about the risks of AI, especially its potential to reduce human relationships to mere algorithms and its use in warfare.
Francis had called for international regulation and ethical oversight to prevent AI’s misuse, reiterating that decisions about life-and-death matters must remain in human hands.
Leo XIV has pledged to build on these foundations, aiming to protect human dignity and labour rights amid the transformative impact of AI on work and society.
“In our own day, 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 that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour,” stated the Roman Catholic pontiff.
His early statements suggest the Vatican will maintain an active role in global discussions about AI ethics and governance.
