In a powerful message to the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Pope Francis urged leaders to embrace the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that human dignity must always take precedence over efficiency.
Popes message, addressed to the Forum’s Chairman, highlighted the theme of this year’s gathering, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” as an opportunity to reflect on AI’s potential to foster unity and cooperation among peoples.
Pope Francis reminded attendees that Christian tradition views intelligence as a gift from God, intrinsic to humanity's nature as beings created in His image. The Catholic Church, he noted, has long championed the advancement of science and technology, recognizing these fields as areas where humans collaborate with God to perfect creation.
Acknowledging AI’s capacity to imitate human intelligence and make autonomous decisions, Pope Francis highlighted the unique ethical challenges this poses. AI’s ability to provide unforeseen answers, he warned, raises critical questions about ethical responsibility, human safety, and societal impacts.
“When used correctly,” he affirmed, “AI assists the human person in fulfilling his or her vocation, in freedom and responsibility.” However, Pope stressed that AI must always serve humanity, fostering justice, fraternity, and more humane social relations, which he deemed far more significant than any technical advancement.
Pope Francis cautioned against the “technocratic paradigm,” which assumes that all problems can be solved through technology alone. Within this framework, human dignity and fraternity are often sacrificed for efficiency, he said. Pope reaffirmed, “Human dignity must never be violated for the sake of efficiency.”
He also noted that true progress cannot come from technological advancements that exacerbate inequalities or conflicts. Instead, AI should promote a healthier, more inclusive, and more human-centered development.
Pope urged governments and businesses to exercise diligence and vigilance when evaluating AI applications, ensuring they promote human dignity, personal vocation, and the common good. He acknowledged that the full effects of AI may only become apparent over time, underscoring the need for ongoing critical assessment and adaptive responses.
Pope Francis called for a united effort across all levels of society—individuals, families, civil society, corporations, governments, and international organizations—to ensure AI is directed toward the common good. This collaboration, he said, must prioritize the well-being of all and the care of creation entrusted to humanity by God.
Pope concluded his message by extending his prayerful wishes for the Forum’s deliberations and invoking divine blessings on all participants. His heartfelt plea serves as a reminder of the need for ethical leadership in an era shaped by rapid technological advancements.
Pope Francis’ message echoes his commitment to ensuring that innovation respects human dignity and contributes to a more just and inclusive world.