Pope Leo Presses Tech Leaders to Build AI That Respects Human Dignity
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of embedding moral discernment in artificial intelligence development, highlighting AI as a pivotal challenge to humanity's ethical values. His recent statement on X continues his engagement with the global dialogue on AI since becoming the head of the Catholic Church in May 2025.
Ethical and Spiritual Importance of AI
The Pope framed technological innovation as an extension of the divine act of creation, carrying deep ethical and spiritual significance. Each decision in AI design reveals a particular vision of what it means to be human.
“Technological innovation can be a form of participation in the divine act of creation. It carries an ethical and spiritual weight, for every design choice expresses a vision of humanity.”
He urged all AI creators to integrate moral judgement into their work and to develop systems that embody justice, solidarity, and respect for life.
Context and Background
- Pope Leo XIV’s name honors Pope Leo XIII, who in 1891 addressed the social impacts of the Industrial Revolution.
- His comments align with the Vatican’s January document Antiqua et nova, which distinguished AI’s advanced outputs from genuine thought, experience, and moral reasoning.
“The Church therefore calls all builders of AI to cultivate moral discernment as a fundamental part of their work—to develop systems that reflect justice, solidarity, and a genuine reverence for life.”
Since his election, Pope Leo has frequently highlighted the moral implications of emerging technologies shaping human identity.
Vatican’s Teaching on AI
The Antiqua et nova document notes that while AI can generate complex outcomes, it lacks authentic understanding and ethical consciousness, underscoring the need for human oversight.
“AI can produce sophisticated results but lacks real thought, lived experience, and moral judgment.”
Pope Leo encourages a balanced approach where technology serves humanity without compromising dignity and moral values.
Author’s summary: Pope Leo calls on AI developers to embed ethical judgment and respect for human dignity in their creations, reflecting the Church’s view of technology as a moral and spiritual endeavor.