Pope Leo XIV Emphasizes Protection of Human Dignity Amidst AI Advancements

The Pope's call highlights the responsibility to ensure technology serves humanity beneficially, especially during challenges posed by AI.

Pope Leo XIV recently held the Vatican's inaugural Mass for Catholic social media influencers, emphasizing the critical need to protect human dignity as society confronts the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Addressing attendees in St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope stated, "Nothing that comes from man and his creativity should be used to undermine the dignity of others." He stressed that emerging technologies should be harnessed for the "benefit of all humanity," a point he reiterated during his remarks at the Vatican's Jubilee of Youth, a celebrated event that takes place every 25 years.

His statements reflect a broader concern for maintaining cultural values in a rapidly advancing digital landscape. Pope Leo urged individuals to collaborate in crafting a contemporary dialogue that emphasizes compassion, stating, "We have a duty to work together to develop a way of thinking, to develop a language, of our time, that gives voice to love." Furthermore, he encouraged social media influencers to create content that reaches out to those in need, saying they should become "agents of communion," working to dismantle division, polarization, and self-centric attitudes.

This addresses a long-standing theme in the Pope's teachings since his election in May, wherein he has advocated for the Church's vital role in safeguarding human dignity in light of technological progress. As the first pontiff from the U.S., Pope Leo XIV's background—born in Chicago, with a rich heritage and a history of service to marginalized communities—further informs his compassionate stance. His educational background in mathematics from Villanova University complements his unique perspective on the intersection of ethics and technology.