Artificial intelligence—and the far-reaching consequences it continues to have on society—has become a matter of deep reflection and debate for countless individuals around the world. Among those engaging seriously with its moral and spiritual implications is Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever to hold the papal office. His recent public statements reveal a thoughtful attempt to bridge the worlds of faith and rapidly advancing technology, urging both innovators and believers to approach the digital revolution with discernment, responsibility, and care for human dignity.
On a Friday in early spring, Pope Leo XIV addressed leading figures in the AI community through a message posted on X, marking approximately one week after he shared a written address with participants at the Builders AI Forum 2025. This international gathering is dedicated to nurturing a network of innovators committed to developing artificial intelligence products consistent with the Catholic Church’s spiritual mission and ethical vision. The pope’s language reflects both enthusiasm for technological creativity and a sober awareness of the moral responsibilities it entails.
In his X post, Pope Leo XIV described technological innovation not merely as a mechanical or utilitarian pursuit, but as an authentic form of participation in what he called the divine act of creation—a sacred collaboration between human ingenuity and divine inspiration. He emphasized that every technical decision, from the smallest design element to the overarching model of an AI system, inherently expresses a particular understanding of humanity and the world. Therefore, he warned, innovation must not proceed devoid of moral awareness. “The Church,” he wrote, “calls all builders of AI to cultivate moral discernment as a foundational aspect of their craft,” urging them to construct systems that embody justice, solidarity, and profound respect for life itself. In this way, the pope reminded developers that AI is not ethically neutral; rather, it reflects and amplifies the values embedded by its human creators.
In his more extensive message to the attendees of the Builders AI Forum, the pope elaborated that their work cannot be restricted to closed research environments or the narrow confines of investment portfolios. Instead, he described the endeavor as a “profoundly ecclesial” mission—one that should serve the wider purpose of human and spiritual growth. He proposed concrete examples to illustrate his point: the crafting of algorithms that enrich Catholic education, the engineering of tools that enhance compassionate healthcare, and the design of creative digital platforms capable of communicating Christian truth and beauty. Each of these efforts, he explained, contributes to a collective calling—to ensure that technology becomes an instrument for evangelization, moral enlightenment, and the holistic development of every person.
The pope’s reflections emerge at a moment when global enterprises are fiercely competing to shape what many consider the defining technology of this century. Major corporations such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta are channeling vast financial resources into artificial intelligence research, while smaller yet highly influential startups like Anthropic and OpenAI press forward with revolutionary systems such as Claude and ChatGPT. These tools are already transforming countless aspects of modern life—from education and communication to commerce, medicine, and governance. Yet this transformation also prompts unease. Many observers fear that in the relentless race for technological dominance, developers may overlook vital safety protocols and ethical constraints. Such negligence could potentially destabilize industries, displace workers, and, in the worst-case scenario, erode the very fabric of human society.
Since assuming the leadership of the Catholic Church in May, Pope Leo XIV has addressed these questions with unusual candor and conviction. Speaking to the College of Cardinals shortly after his election, he acknowledged that artificial intelligence represents not only a marvel of human progress but also a profound challenge to the Church’s ongoing mission to defend human dignity, justice, and the rights of labor. He noted that the current technological age mirrors earlier industrial revolutions, each demanding a fresh application of the Church’s social teaching to safeguard moral integrity amid innovation. “In our own day,” he reflected, “the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social doctrine as guidance in responding to this new industrial revolution—particularly to the developments in artificial intelligence that raise unprecedented questions about justice, dignity, and the protection of human work.”
Through these statements, Pope Leo XIV positions himself as both a moral witness and a dialogue partner for the technology community. He does not reject progress, nor does he idealize it uncritically; rather, he calls for a synthesis of creativity and conscience, of innovation infused with ethical vision. His appeal transforms the conversation about AI from one of mere utility to one of vocation and responsibility—a reminder that the ultimate goal of technology, in his eyes, is not to surpass humanity, but to elevate it.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/pope-leo-xiv-ai-morality-justice-2025-11
