The pope emphasized in the document that he is not opposed to innovation. Rather than rejecting technological progress, he wrote that “technology should not be considered, in itself, as a force antagonistic to humanity,” but instead must be guided by responsible and ethical use. But he warned that without stronger safeguards, artificial intelligence could deepen inequality, weaken human agency, and shift critical decisions increasingly out of human hands.
“Calling for prudence, rigorous evaluation and even, at times, a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress,” Leo wrote. “Instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.”
The Pope has raised AI as a central concern since early in his papacy, telling the College of Cardinals shortly after his election that the Church would confront risks artificial intelligence posed to “human dignity, justice and labor,” a focus he has returned to in speeches throughout his first year as pontiff.
