In his first official speech as the pope, Leo XIV sent a powerful message to Cardinal College on Saturday warning that artificial intelligence (AI) presents serious new risks to people’s dignity. He called on the Catholic Church to strengthen and respond to these challenges with moral clarity and bold action.
Speaking in the new chamber, the Pope said that the Catholic Church had encountered similar moments before.
He compared the rapid AI technology transformation today with the turmoil of the 19th century industrial revolution, saying that the church must once again defend workers and promote justice.
Pope Leo XIII, the historic encyclopedia novarum, solved social problems in the context of the First Great Industrial Revolution. "Today, the Church provides a response to her entire social teaching treasure in response to another industrial revolution and the development of artificial intelligence."
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Pope Leo XIV met with Cardinal College in the new conference hall in the Vatican on Saturday. (Vatican Media via AP)
Pope Leo Xiv was the first American to be elected Pope Robert Francis Prevost, a former cardinal.
He was a former missionary and head of the bishop, and he speaks English, Spanish and Italian and was widely regarded as a unified choice after the death of Pope Francis. His decision under the name "Leo" links his mission to social justice that Pope Leo XIII is concerned about.
Under Pope Francis, the Vatican greatly expanded its digital outreach. It restructured media operations, launched popular social media efforts, and introduced ethics to AI. "Rome calls for AI ethics" is a common move between the church and technology leaders who promote transparency in the development of artificial intelligence.
Pope Leo made it clear that he would continue the work. In his speech, he described AI as a powerful force that can reshape labor, society and even how we view ourselves. He stressed that people, rather than profits, must stay in the center.
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Pope Leo Fourteen meets the Cardinal College in the new conference hall in the Vatican on Saturday. (Vatican Media via AP)
“These are gospel principles through which the kind face of the father is revealed and continues to be revealed in the people made by the son,” he said. “Let us accept this precious legacy and continue our journey, inspired by the same hope of faith.”
He also urged Catholics to keep quiet prayers and insights in the noisy digital world. He quotes the scriptures and says that it is usually not heard in thunder or wonder, but in “a gentle breeze” or “a pure silence.”
The Pope also reflects the recent death of Pope Francis. He summoned moments of sorrow, filled with God's grace. He will transition to the new pope to the "paschal event", a spiritual turning point and thanks to his ex for serving his life.
Pope Leo XIV met with Cardinal College in the new conference hall in the Vatican on Saturday. (Vatican Media via AP)
"I hope we will renew together today our full commitment to the Church of All for decades after the Second Vatican Parliament," he said. He also encouraged more listening, dialogue and caring for the poor.
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As Vatican media reported, the Pope’s speech “invokes a vision of a church firmly rooted in tradition, but willing to achieve the future with courage, especially in response to the technology that is reshaping human identity.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.