TLDR: Pope Leo XIV has called for a global ethical framework for artificial intelligence, emphasizing human dignity and well-being. Speaking at a Vatican tech summit, he warned against the misuse of AI and stressed the need for responsible development that prioritizes human flourishing over mere utility.
VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong appeal for the establishment of a comprehensive ethical framework for artificial intelligence, urging global tech leaders to prioritize human dignity and well-being in the development and deployment of AI technologies. The pontiff delivered his message during the second annual Rome Conference on AI, held at the Vatican, and also had a message read on his behalf at the ‘AI for Good Summit 2025’ in Geneva.
In his address to Vatican officials and executives from leading technology companies including Google, OpenAI, IBM, and Meta, Pope Leo XIV underscored that AI should be designed to serve the ‘well-being of the human person—materially, intellectually, and spiritually.’ He cautioned against confusing extensive access to data with true intelligence and highlighted the potential harm AI could pose to children’s neurological development, advocating for systems that foster rather than replace human capabilities.
The Pope’s remarks, made during a closed-door session on AI governance within the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, emphasized the dual nature of AI. While acknowledging its ‘positive and noble ways,’ he also warned of its ‘misuse for selfish gain or to foment conflict.’ This stance aligns with the Vatican’s consistent advocacy for human-centered AI since 2020, notably through the ‘Rome Call for AI Ethics,’ a document signed by major tech entities like IBM, Microsoft, and Qualcomm.
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Pope Leo XIV, who assumed the papacy recently, is continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, in engaging with technological advancements. He drew a parallel between the current AI revolution and the transformative upheaval of the industrial era, signaling the Church’s commitment to guiding this new technological frontier ethically. His message at the ‘AI for Good Summit 2025’ further reiterated that AI ‘requires proper ethical management and regulatory frameworks centered on the human person, and which goes beyond the mere criteria of utility or efficiency.’ He stressed that while AI can simulate human reasoning, it cannot replicate moral discernment or genuine relationships, and therefore, responsibility for its ethical use lies with both developers and users.
