Pope Leo XIV raised fresh alarms about AI’s impact on children and society Saturday at the Vatican’s Second Annual Rome Conference on Artificial Intelligence. The pope pushed for urgent ethical reflection on artificial intelligence, highlighting risks to youth development and human dignity.
He reminded leaders AI should serve humans, not replace or diminish them. Leo argued human memory and creativity outclass AI’s "static memory." He warned AI could threaten our grasp of reality and the depth of social bonds.
"In particular, it must not be forgotten that artificial intelligence functions as a tool for the good of human beings, not to diminish them or even to replace them,"
said Pope Leo XIV.
"Our personal life has greater value than any algorithm, and social relationships require spaces for development that far transcend the limited patterns that any soulless machine can pre-package."
The pope praised AI’s benefits in healthcare and science but flagged dangers of undermining humanity’s openness to truth and beauty. He stressed society must protect children’s intellectual and neurological growth, urging that youth be supported “in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility.”
Leo slammed the notion that AI’s access to data equals genuine intelligence, pushing instead for recognition of “authentic wisdom” tied to life’s true meaning.
"Authentic wisdom has more to do with recognizing the true meaning of life, than with the availability of data."
He also warned AI’s potential misuse for selfish gain or to fuel conflict. The pope framed this as a cultural and spiritual challenge, calling on lawmakers to guard the dignity and diversity of all people.
"Society’s well-being depends upon their [young people] being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities,"
Leo added."This entails taking into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually. It means safeguarding the inviolable dignity of each human person and respecting the cultural and spiritual riches and diversity of the world’s peoples."
Leo highlighted risks AI poses to intergenerational bonds, emphasizing the need for youth to integrate truth into moral and spiritual life. He closed by stressing the importance of protecting “healthy, fair and sound lifestyles” for younger generations amid rapid AI growth.
A Vatican image shows Pope Leo XIV addressing international lawmakers at the conference.
“Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility,” said Pope Leo XIV on Saturday
Image: Handout/Vatican Media/AFP
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