Pope Leo XIV has raised fresh concerns over the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence, warning that the technology could undermine human identity, distort relationships, and intensify social and political divisions.
In a message released on Saturday to mark the World Day of Social Communications, the pontiff cautioned that AI systems are not neutral tools but reflect the values, assumptions, and biases of those who design them.
He said such systems can subtly shape how people think and interact by reproducing embedded prejudices from the data they rely on.
According to the Pope, the central challenge posed by artificial intelligence lies in safeguarding human dignity and preserving genuine human relationships in an increasingly automated world.
He warned that unchecked use of AI risks blurring the line between authentic human expression and artificial simulation.
His remarks come amid rapid advances in generative AI, which can now produce images, music, and written content that are often difficult to distinguish from human-created work.
The dangers of such technology became widely evident in 2023 when an AI-generated image falsely depicting Pope Francis in a white designer jacket went viral online.
Since then, AI-generated content has increasingly entered political and public discourse.
Pope Leo XIV noted that prominent figures have used or shared computer-generated images and messages, contributing to confusion over what is real and what is fabricated.
The pontiff also expressed concern about the concentration of power in the AI sector, warning that a small number of companies now wield enormous influence over how the technology is developed and deployed.
He said this concentration increases the risk of manipulation and makes it harder for the public to separate reality from digital illusion.
Reflecting on his tenure since being elected last May as the first pope from the United States, Leo XIV said artificial intelligence remains one of the defining ethical challenges of the modern age.
He criticised AI systems that present statistical predictions as objective truth, arguing that they offer only limited approximations rather than genuine understanding.
The Pope called for stronger global governance frameworks to guide AI development and urged that young people be taught how algorithms shape perceptions, opinions, and behaviour.
He also reiterated earlier warnings about the use of AI in warfare.
Last month, Leo XIV condemned the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in military systems, cautioning against allowing machines to make decisions involving human life and death.
He noted that though technology could serve humanity, it must not be allowed to redefine what it means to be human.
