Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Human Dignity Amidst AI Revolution

Addressing social media influencers and youth at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV stresses the importance of safeguarding human dignity as AI technology advances, urging a collective effort to engage in compassionate dialogue in a time dominated by digital innovation.

Pope Leo XIV has taken a strong stance on the interplay between emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology and human dignity, speaking during the Vatican's first Mass for Catholic social media influencers. In his address at St. Peter's Basilica, he asserted that "nothing that comes from man and his creativity should undermine the dignity of others." The Pope emphasized that AI must be harnessed for the "benefit of all humanity" during the Jubilee of Youth, a week-long event designed to inspire young worshippers held every 25 years.

This marks the latest intervention by Pope Leo XIV regarding the ethical implications of AI since his election in May. In his Tuesday remarks, he highlighted the importance of maintaining "our ability to listen and speak" as society shifts into this "new era." He urged attendees to cultivate a contemporary dialogue that amplifies the voices of love and compassion.

The Pope called on influencers to reach out to those who are suffering and to include messages that affirm the presence of the divine in their content. He encouraged these social media figures to become "agents of communion," working counter to a prevailing culture of division, polarization, individualism, and egocentrism.

Pope Leo XIV has a rich background in mathematics, having studied at Philadelphia's Villanova University in 1977, making him the first pontiff from the United States. Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, he has a history of community engagement, particularly among marginalized groups in Peru, where he has served as a priest and community leader.

This current discourse is part of the Pope's broader agenda, which earlier this year called for a more proactive role of the Church in defending human dignity against the backdrop of technological advancements.