Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has said that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most important challenges facing humanity today, The Verge reported.
Leo XIV emphasized that modern technological progress, in particular the development of AI, poses new challenges to human dignity, justice, and labor rights. He emphasized that the Church must respond to these changes by using its social teaching to protect people.
In his first official speech before the College of Cardinals, he explained that the choice of his ecclesiastical name was linked to Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church during the Industrial Revolution and called on everyone to adhere to social justice in our times.
"In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour," the new Pope told the College of Cardinals.
Leo XIV's predecessor, Pope Francis, also expressed concerns about AI, warning of the risks of creating false narratives and calling for international regulation of the new technology.
Leo XIV made it clear that his pontificate would focus on the ethical aspects of technological development and the protection of human rights in the new digital age. He called for the responsible use of AI to avoid its negative impact on society.