Pope Leo XIV has warned that artificial intelligence could affect the intellectual and neurological development of children and young people, urging greater caution in how the fast-evolving technology is used.
In a message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI on Friday, the pope, who holds a degree in mathematics, said the rise of AI comes with benefits but also raises serious concerns about how it might be shaping the way young people understand the world.
“All of us are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development,” he wrote.
While acknowledging that AI can advance healthcare and scientific research, Pope Leo stressed that its rapid spread, especially among the youth, could affect humanity’s ability to truly process and interpret reality.
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“No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI,” he said. “But again, access to data, however extensive, must not be confused with intelligence.”
The pope’s remarks come at a time when AI tools, including chatbots and virtual assistants, are being increasingly used by young people to consume news and content. A recent report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found that many young users are turning to AI-powered platforms for news headlines and updates.
Adding to the complexity, Pope Leo has himself been the subject of misinformation, with deepfake videos and audio recordings falsely claiming to show him making controversial statements. An AFP investigation earlier this month uncovered dozens of AI-generated clips on platforms like YouTube and TikTok mimicking his voice and image.
The Catholic Church has been vocal about the ethical challenges posed by new technologies. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican launched the Rome Call for AI Ethics in 2020, a global agreement signed by Microsoft, IBM, the United Nations, Italy and several academic institutions, aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and the protection of personal privacy.
