Pope Leo XIV urges global leaders to prioritize common good, religious freedom, and ethical AI, invoking natural law and Saint Thomas More in Jubilee address.
Newsroom, June 21, 2025, Gaudium Press – In an address to members of the International Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in the Hall of Benediction, Pope Leo XIV called on global parliamentarians to uphold the common good, champion religious freedom, and approach artificial intelligence with ethical foresight. Speaking to delegations from 68 countries, including Italy’s President of the Council of Ministers, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and IPU leadership, the pontiff framed politics as “the highest form of charity,” echoing Pope Pius XI’s 1927 address to the Italian Catholic University Federation.
The address, delivered during the Jubilee of Governments, emphasized three key considerations for political leaders navigating today’s complex cultural landscape.
Defending the Vulnerable and Promoting Equity
Pope Leo XIV urged parliamentarians to prioritize the common good by addressing systemic inequalities, particularly the stark divide between concentrated wealth and widespread poverty. Citing Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, he highlighted the moral imperative to amplify the voices of the marginalized. “Those who live in extreme conditions cry out to make their voices heard, and often find no ears willing to hear their plea,” he said. He warned that unchecked disparities fuel injustice and violence, potentially leading to war, and called for policies that equitably distribute resources to foster domestic and international harmony.
Championing Religious Freedom and Natural Law
The pontiff underscored the importance of religious freedom and interreligious dialogue, describing belief in God as a profound source of goodness and truth for individuals and communities. Quoting Saint Augustine’s De Civitate Dei, he contrasted self-serving “amor sui” with the generous, God-centered “amor Dei” that underpins a just society. To guide political decision-making, he advocated for natural law as a universal compass, citing Cicero’s De Re Publica: “Natural law is right reason, in accordance with nature, universal, constant and eternal.” This principle, he argued, offers a shared ethical foundation for addressing pressing issues, particularly those concerning personal life and privacy.
Pope Leo XIV also praised the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, as a timeless framework for restoring dignity to those whose conscience is disregarded. He urged leaders to ensure that legislative efforts reflect this commitment to human integrity.
Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Artificial Intelligence
In his third reflection, the pontiff addressed the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), acknowledging its potential to benefit society while cautioning against its misuse. “Artificial intelligence functions as a tool for the good of human beings, not to diminish them, not to replace them,” he emphasized. He called for vigilant oversight to ensure AI respects human identity, dignity, and freedoms, particularly for younger generations. Contrasting AI’s “static memory” with the dynamic, creative memory of humans, he referenced Pope Francis’ 2024 address to the G7, which highlighted AI’s limitations in capturing the ethical and existential depth of human experience.
The pontiff urged politicians to respond to public concerns about AI’s impact, advocating for policies that promote “healthy, fair, and sound lifestyles” in the digital age.
A Call to Emulate Saint Thomas More
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV invoked Saint Thomas More, the 16th-century statesman and martyr, as a model for political leaders. Citing Saint John Paul II’s 2000 apostolic letter, he praised More’s dedication to justice, family, and education, as well as his ultimate sacrifice for truth and conscience. “May his example be a source of inspiration and guidance for each of you,” the pontiff said.
The address ended with heartfelt gratitude and blessings for the parliamentarians and their families, as Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his support for their work in service of the global community.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican.va
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