The Catholic Church’s Perspective on AI: Pope Leo XIV Speaks Out
A Historic Address
In a first for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has taken a bold step into the realm of technology. Recently, he addressed leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) through an X post, following a message delivered to participants at the Builders AI Forum 2025. This forum aims to cultivate a community dedicated to developing AI tools that resonate with the Catholic Church’s values and mission.
The Spiritual Dimensions of AI
Pope Leo XIV highlighted the profound implications of technological innovation in his remarks, stating that it can embody a “participation in the divine act of creation.” He emphasized that every design choice conveys a vision of humanity, suggesting that AI developers carry an ethical and spiritual responsibility. “The Church therefore calls all builders of AI to cultivate moral discernment as a fundamental part of their work,” he wrote, urging the tech community to create systems reflecting justice, solidarity, and a genuine reverence for life.
Beyond Profit: A Call to Mission
In his address to the Builders AI Forum, the pope made a compelling argument: the work of AI developers should not be confined to research labs or investment portfolios. Instead, it needs to be a “profoundly ecclesial endeavor.” This vision includes creating algorithms for Catholic education, developing tools that promote compassionate healthcare, and fostering creative platforms that articulate the Christian narrative in a truthful and beautiful manner. Each AI builder, he argues, plays a crucial role in a collective mission: to use technology as a means of evangelization and integral human development.
The Race for AI Development
As companies worldwide scramble to harness the potential of AI, the pope’s remarks come at a crucial juncture. Major players in the tech industry, such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta, are investing heavily in AI research and development. Startups like Anthropic and OpenAI are pioneering innovative products, from Claude to ChatGPT, that are already beginning to transform society.
Ethical Concerns in AI Advancement
While technological advancements hold incredible potential, they also raise significant concerns. The urgency to be first in the AI race raises red flags about safety protocols. Critics worry that tech companies may overlook measures that ensure the stability of jobs, the economy, and humanity itself. The ethical dimensions of AI—questions of accountability, bias, and societal impact—necessitate careful consideration alongside rapid development.
A Pope’s Call to Conscience
Since ascending to the papacy in May, Pope Leo XIV has been vocal about the moral challenges posed by artificial intelligence. During his address to the College of Cardinals, he articulated the need to safeguard human dignity and justice in the face of this new technological frontier. His astute observations underscore the vital intersection between faith and technology in today’s world.
Social Teaching in the Age of AI
Pope Leo XIV asserts that the Church offers a repository of social teaching that can help navigate the complexities emerging from AI advancements. “The Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution,” he noted. By emphasizing the need for justice and the preservation of human dignity, the pope encourages a dialogue that aims to reconcile faith-based values with the realities of a rapidly changing technological landscape.