VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful warning about artificial intelligence's societal impact during Saturday's Jubilee of Governments summit, with particular emphasis on protecting youth from potential developmental harm.
Speaking to an audience that included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and parliamentary delegations from 68 countries, the Pope addressed a topic he has raised repeatedly during the early weeks of his papacy. "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," Leo stated during the event, which was part of the Roman Catholic Jubilee or Holy Year. He acknowledged AI's potential to accelerate scientific progress and help people delegate routine tasks.
The pontiff described AI as an "exceptional product of human genius" that has "opened new horizons" in healthcare and scientific discovery, while raising "troubling questions" about its potential repercussions on humanity's relationship with truth and reality. "All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development," the Pope emphasized. "Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey toward maturity and true responsibility."
Pope Leo, who became pontiff in May following Pope Francis's death, noted that AI's "static memory" cannot compare to the "creative, dynamic" power of human memory. "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," he said.
In response, Prime Minister Meloni stated she would treasure the Pope's teachings, which also addressed wealth inequality. "Italy will continue its efforts, both nationally and internationally, to ensure that the development of AI is governed by humans and has the wellbeing of humans as its ultimate goal," she said.
The Pope urged the assembled political leaders to promote the common good, warning that AI "will certainly be of great help to society, provided that its employment does not undermine the identity and dignity of the human person and his or her fundamental freedoms." He emphasized that "artificial intelligence functions as a tool for the good of human beings, not to diminish them, not to replace them."