Pope Leo XIV has renewed calls for a deeper consideration of the potential impact of on humanity, voicing concern for the development and well being of children and youths.
The recently installed pontiff made his remarks on Saturday, when he welcomed Italian Prime Minister and parliamentary delegations from 68 further nations to the for the Second Annual Rome Conference on Artificial Intelligence.
“In particular, it must not be forgotten that artificial intelligence for the good of human beings, not to diminish them or even to replace them,” said , who added that AI’s “static memory” could not match the “creative, dynamic” power of human memory.
“Our personal life has greater value than any algorithm, and social relationships require spaces for development that far transcend the limited patterns that any soulless machine can pre-package,” he told attendees.
Pope warns AI is a threat to how humans process reality
Although the pontiff acknowledged the unquestionable advantages such computing offers, he nevertheless it poses to how we understand life and the world around us.
“AI, especially generative AI, has opened new horizons on many different levels, including enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery; but also raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions on humanity’s openness to truth and beauty, on our distinctive ability to grasp and process reality.”
Leo, who has repeatedly addressed the issue of AI and its impact on society since becoming pope in May, urged “serious reflection” on the “inherently ethical dimension of AI,” noting that respect for the uniqueness of human existence was an essential element of any discussion about its use and regulation.
“All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development,” he said.
“Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility,” he added, calling young people “our hope for the future.”
‘True meaning of life’ vs. ‘availability of data’
For all of the praises that AI proponents sing, claiming, among other things, that it allows more access to information and that if computers are allowed to perform the tasks of workers, former laborers will then be able to pursue other more fulfilling creative tasks, Leo warned of the dangers of mistaking “access to data” for actual intelligence. “Authentic wisdom,” he said, “has more to do with recognizing the true meaning of life, than with the availability of data.”
The pontiff also underscored AI’s potential for “misuse for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression.”
“Society’s well-being,” said Leo, “depends upon their [young people] being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities, and to respond to the demands of the times and the needs of others with a free and generous spirit.
“This entails taking into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually. It means safeguarding the inviolable dignity of each human person and respecting the cultural and spiritual riches and diversity of the world’s peoples,” according to Leo.
AI, the Catholic Church and ‘the future of our human family’
Leo has said the Catholic Church is keen on contributing to a peaceful and thoughtful public discussion about the advent of AI “and the future of our human family.”
A final concern brought up by the pontiff addressed the strains AI puts on relations between young people and the elderly, pointing to what he called the “necessary intergenerational apprenticeship that will enable young people to integrate truth into their moral and spiritual life, thus informing their mature decisions and opening the path towards a world of greater solidarity and unity.”
Leo ended by reminding lawmakers of the need to protect “healthy, fair and sound lifestyles, especially for the good of younger generations,” admonishing, “the task set before you is not easy but it is one of vital importance.”
Edited by Sean Sinico
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