When faced with the “exceptional product of human genius,” Pope Leo XIV raises an urgent question, and never forgets human dignity, and cannot interfere with the proper human and neurological development of young people and children.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
“AI, in particular generative AI, has opened up new perspectives at various levels, including strengthening research into medicine and scientific discovery, but also raises troubling questions about the openness to humanity and its ability to grasp and process reality.”
Pope Leo XIV made the observation in a message to the second Rome Congress on Artificial Intelligence, published on Friday. He said their presence “evidenced the urgent need for serious reflection and continued discussion on the essentially ethical aspects of AI and proved its responsible governance,” and he was pleased that the second day of the meeting was held at the Apostles Palace.”
“With the extraordinary possibilities to benefit human families and the rapid development of AI, the Pope warned that “deeper questions” regarding the proper use of such technologies in creating a more authentic, just and human world society.
It's an exceptional product for human genius, but it remains a tool
AI is “undoubtedly an exceptional product of human genius,” but he emphasized that, as Pope Francis did in the past, AI is “a tool above all else.”
Recognizing and respecting unique human characteristics is essential to debating the appropriate ethical framework for AI governance.
“We are sure that all of us are concerned about the possible consequences of AI use on children, young people, and intellectual and neurological development.”
“Our young people have argued that they are “unhindered” in their journey to maturity and true responsibility,” he argued.
“Social happiness” relies on being given the ability to develop God-given gifts and abilities, and being given the ability to meet the needs of others with a free and generous spirit.”
No matter how extensive it is, it should not be confused with intelligence
The generation recognized by the Holy Father has never received such rapid access to the amount of information currently available through AI. “But again, access to data, no matter how extensive, should not be confused with intelligence, which inevitably “includes a person's openness to the ultimate problems of life, reflecting a direction towards truth and good.”
While AI has been used in positive and indeed noble ways to promote greater equality, Pope Leo still warned of “the possibility of misuse of selfish interests at the expense of others or, worse, to promote conflict and aggression.”
Measuring the impact of AI
He said he would contribute to a gentle and informed discussion of these urgent questions by highlighting the need for the church to weigh the impact of AI in light of “essential development of humans and society.”
“This emphasized that it “involves this,” taking into account human happiness not only essentially but also intellectually and mentally. It means protecting the inviolable dignity of each person and respecting the cultural and spiritual abundance and diversity of the people of the world.
“Ultimately, the benefits or risks of AI must be accurately assessed according to this excellent ethical standard,” he said.
Young people must be helped rather than being hampered by AI
Ultimately, the Pope emphasized that “real wisdom is more about recognizing the true meaning of life than the availability of data.”
From this perspective, the Holy Father expressed his hope that the deliberations at the conference “consider the AI in the context of necessary intergenerational apprenticeships, allowing young people to integrate truth into their moral and spiritual lives, inform mature decisions, and pave the way for a world of greater solidarity and unity.”
Finally, Pope Leo concluded, “The task set up before you're not easy, it's a very important thing.”
