Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on the Church to help restore public trust in technology by guiding people to use artificial intelligence wisely and in ways that respect human dignity and lead them closer to Christ.
Pope made the appeal on Friday while addressing participants at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence held at the Vatican under the theme “Preserving human faces and voices.” The event was organized by the Vatican Dicastery for Communication and the Dicastery for Culture and Education. Experts in artificial intelligence, theology, education, and media gathered to discuss the opportunities and challenges created by rapidly advancing digital technologies.
In his address, Pope Leo said the Church has a responsibility to take part in discussions about modern technology because its mission is to bring the Gospel message to all people using every possible means. He referred to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, which encouraged the Church to make good use of communication tools for the service of humanity.
The Pope stressed that technology and artificial intelligence should always remain at the service of people and never replace human dignity or authentic relationships. He warned that when technology develops without moral responsibility, it can take advantage of people’s emotional and social needs.
According to the Pope, the deeper challenge facing society today is not simply technological but human and spiritual. He said humanity must reflect on what it truly means to be human in a world increasingly shaped by machines and digital systems.
Pope Leo explained that Christians can better understand themselves by looking to Christ. He said the human heart can only fully understand itself through the heart of Jesus Christ, whom he described as the Incarnate Word.
The Pope also focused strongly on young people and the need for education in media and artificial intelligence literacy. He urged Church leaders, educators, and families to teach children and young adults how to think critically about technology and to use digital tools with balance and discipline.
He noted that many young people are searching for meaning and truth in life and are open to spiritual guidance. For this reason, he said the Church must help them encounter the living Christ while also teaching them how to integrate technology into a healthy Christian way of life.
Pope Leo said the Church’s response to artificial intelligence is becoming one of the important pastoral and cultural questions of modern times. He encouraged Catholics and experts working in the field of technology to cooperate in shaping a future where innovation supports human growth rather than harming it.
Concluding his address, the Pope expressed hope that society could regain confidence in technology when it is developed in harmony with God’s creative plan and used for the good of humanity.
He said restored trust in technology can emerge when human creativity and scientific progress are guided by wisdom, responsibility, and respect for every person.