Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on the global community to ensure that the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) remain rooted in ethical responsibility and human values. In a message addressed to the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, delivered on July 10 through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope stressed the need for robust local and international regulatory frameworks that prioritize the common good.
The summit, held from July 8 to 11, is organized by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with the Swiss government. It brings together world leaders, scientists, policymakers, and industry innovators to shape the future of AI in a way that benefits society.
Calling this an “era of profound innovation,” Pope Leo acknowledged the transformative power of AI in areas ranging from healthcare and governance to education and the arts. However, he warned that as AI systems evolve and make decisions autonomously, it becomes vital to examine the ethical and anthropological consequences they pose.
He stressed that the moral responsibility for AI begins with its creators, developers, and overseers but also extends to users. The Pope insisted that AI cannot be guided solely by efficiency or utility, but must be governed by principles that recognize the inherent dignity and freedom of the human person.
“Ethical clarity and unified governance are essential,” the Pope said, urging nations to collaborate in designing standards that respect humanity's core values. He invoked St. Augustine’s idea of the “tranquility of order” as a vision for a peaceful global society shaped by AI not one driven by disruption or division.
While AI can perform complex tasks with speed and simulate certain aspects of human thought, Pope Leo emphasized that it cannot replace conscience, moral judgment, or authentic human connection. These qualities remain uniquely human, and the use of AI must never compromise them.
For AI to truly serve humanity, it must be aligned with discernment, social responsibility, and dialogue, the Pope concluded. It must foster fraternity, not fragmentation, and remain a tool that enhances not erodes the common good of the global family.