As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and societies across the globe, Pope Leo XIV is calling on world leaders to ensure this powerful technology remains rooted in human dignity, ethical clarity, and the common good.
In a message delivered to the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, taking place from July 8–11, Pope Leo emphasized the urgent need for moral discernment and global cooperation in shaping the future of AI. The summit, hosted by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and co-hosted by the Swiss government, gathered policymakers, engineers, academics, and innovators to explore how artificial intelligence can serve humanity.
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to seek ethical clarity and to establish a coordinated local and global governance of AI, based on the shared recognition of the inherent dignity and fundamental freedoms of the human person,” Pope Leo stated in the message, which was signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin (source: Vatican News, July 10, 2025).
Why does the Church weigh in on AI? Because its development touches the core of what it means to be human. Pope Leo described the world as standing “at a crossroads,” confronted with the “immense potential generated by the digital revolution driven by Artificial Intelligence,” according to Vatican News. Yet, while AI can simulate reasoning, make decisions, and automate tasks, it cannot replicate the moral responsibility, conscience, or soul of the human person.
“It cannot replicate moral discernment or the ability to form genuine relationships,” Pope Leo warned.
How, then, should AI be governed? The Holy Father stresses that responsibility begins with developers, managers, and those overseeing its implementation—but it does not end there.
“AI requires proper ethical management and regulatory frameworks centered on the human person, and which goes beyond the mere criteria of utility or efficiency,” Pope Leo insisted.
In recent months, the Vatican has become increasingly vocal on AI, notably with the 2023 release of the “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” a joint initiative between the Holy See, Microsoft, IBM, and academic institutions. That document called for transparency, inclusion, accountability, and impartiality in AI design, echoing principles that now appear in Pope Leo’s message to the UN (source: Rome Call for AI Ethics, 2023).
What is the Church ultimately calling for? A vision of AI that contributes to peace, justice, and the integral development of the human family.
Quoting St. Augustine’s concept of the “tranquility of order,” Pope Leo XIV said AI should foster a “more human order of social relations” and promote “peaceful and just societies in the service of integral human development and the good of the human family.”
The Pope’s appeal is not rooted in fear of innovation, but in a desire to see technological progress guided by wisdom and solidarity. AI must not be left to evolve in a vacuum of efficiency or economic gain, but rather must be intentionally directed toward what the Pope calls “building bridges of dialogue and fostering fraternity.”
Catholics—and all people of goodwill—are invited to join this mission. As Pope Leo concluded, the development of AI “must go hand in hand with respect for human and social values, the capacity to judge with a clear conscience, and growth in human responsibility.”
In an age of increasing automation, the Church reminds the world that only human beings, made in the image and likeness of God, can choose to love, to discern the good, and to build a future truly worthy of the name “human.”
At Catholic Online, this vision is already becoming a reality. Through CatholicOnline.ai, the organization has plans to develop AI tools for evangelization, catechesis, and spiritual formation—including interactive saint search, prayer guides, AI catechist support, and Catholic apologetics. The goal is to ensure that no one has to search in darkness for answers about God, faith, or the Church. With AI that proclaims Christ and defends the truth, Catholic Online hopes to bring more souls to the light. Learn more and support our efforts here: www.catholiconline.ai
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