Pope Leo XIV urged global leaders to establish ethical frameworks and regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure its development aligns with the common good.
Newsroom (11 July 2025, Gaudium Press) In a message delivered to the United Nations’ AI for Good Summit, held from July 8 to 11, Pope Leo XIV urged global leaders to establish ethical frameworks and regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure its development aligns with the common good. The message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, was addressed to participants of the summit, organized by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and co-hosted by the Swiss government.
The Pope emphasized the need for “ethical clarity” and coordinated governance of AI, rooted in “the shared recognition of the inherent dignity and fundamental freedoms of the human person.” The summit, attended by government officials, technology leaders, academics, and AI stakeholders, provided a platform to discuss the transformative potential of AI in areas such as education, healthcare, governance, and communication.
Ethical Management and Human-Centered AI
In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, Pope Leo XIV described the world as standing at a crossroads, facing the opportunities and challenges of the digital revolution driven by AI. He stressed that as AI systems grow increasingly autonomous, their development must consider “anthropological and ethical implications” and uphold human values beyond mere utility or efficiency.
“The responsibility for the ethical use of AI systems begins with those who develop, manage, and oversee them,” the Pope stated, while also noting that users share this responsibility. He called for regulatory frameworks centered on the human person to guide AI’s evolution, ensuring it fosters “peaceful and just societies” in line with St. Augustine’s concept of the “tranquility of order.”
AI’s Limits and Potential
While acknowledging AI’s ability to simulate human reasoning and enhance efficiency across various sectors, Pope Leo XIV cautioned that it cannot replicate moral discernment or genuine human relationships. He urged that AI development prioritize respect for human and social values, clear judgment, and increased human responsibility.
“AI must go hand in hand with discernment to ensure that it is developed and utilized for the common good, building bridges of dialogue and fostering fraternity,” he said. The Pope underscored the importance of AI serving the broader interests of humanity, promoting integral human development and the well-being of the global community.
The AI for Good Summit continues to serve as a critical forum for shaping the future of AI, with Pope Leo XIV’s message reinforcing the need for ethical governance to harness its potential responsibly.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
Related Images:
