Pope urges ethical Artificial Intelligence use , stressing human dignity and youth development. Calls for responsible governance to ensure AI serves humanity.
Newsroom, June 20, 2025, Gaudium Press – Pope Leo XIV has called for urgent ethical reflection on the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), describing it as an “exceptional product of human genius” that must remain a tool in service of humanity. In a message delivered to the Second Annual Rome Conference on Artificial Intelligence, published on Friday, the pontiff emphasized the need to safeguard human dignity and ensure AI does not hinder the intellectual and neurological development of children and young people.
“AI, especially Generative AI, has opened new horizons on many different levels, including enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery,” the Pope observed. However, he cautioned that it “also raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions on humanity’s openness to truth and beauty, on our distinctive ability to grasp and process reality.”
The Pope expressed gratitude for the Conference’s setting, noting that its second day takes place in the Apostolic Palace, a sign of the Church’s commitment to engaging in discussions that shape “the present and future of our human family.” He underscored the “inherently ethical dimension of AI” and the necessity of responsible governance to ensure its benefits align with the pursuit of a just and humane global society.
AI as a Tool, Not a Substitute for Human Intelligence
While acknowledging AI’s extraordinary potential, Pope Leo XIV reiterated Pope Francis’s earlier teaching that AI is, “above all else, ‘a tool.’” He stressed that any ethical framework for AI governance must respect the unique characteristics of the human person. “No matter how extensive, access to data must not be confused with intelligence,” he said, defining true intelligence as an “openness to the ultimate questions of life” and an orientation toward truth and goodness.
The Pope expressed particular concern for the impact of AI on youth, stating, “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.” He insisted that society must help young people grow in maturity and responsibility, as they “are our hope for the future.” Their ability to develop their “God-given gifts and capabilities” and respond generously to the needs of others, he added, is essential for society’s well-being.
Balancing AI’s Promise and Perils
Pope Leo XIV highlighted AI’s positive contributions, such as promoting greater equality, but warned of its potential misuse “for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression.” He urged the Church and society to contribute to a “serene and informed discussion” of AI’s ramifications, guided by the principle of fostering the “integral development of the human person and society.”
This development, the Pope clarified, encompasses not only material well-being but also intellectual and spiritual growth. It requires “safeguarding the inviolable dignity of each human person and respecting the cultural and spiritual riches and diversity of the world’s peoples.” He cautioned that contemporary societies are experiencing a “loss” or “eclipse” of what is uniquely human, challenging all to reflect deeply on shared human dignity.
A Call for Authentic Wisdom
In closing, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that “authentic wisdom has more to do with recognizing the true meaning of life, than with the availability of data.” He expressed hope that the Conference’s deliberations would consider AI within the context of an “intergenerational apprenticeship” that enables young people to integrate truth into their moral and spiritual lives. Such an approach, he said, would pave the way for “a world of greater solidarity and unity.”
“The task set before you is not easy, but it is one of vital importance,” the Pope concluded, urging participants to evaluate AI’s benefits and risks according to the highest ethical criteria.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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