Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Swipe for next article

Download our
Social Partner

Why Pope Leo keeps issuing stark warnings about using AI

Harry Styles reveals how he ended up at the Vatican when the new pope was announced

Pope Leo XIV has expressed growing concern about Artificial Intelligence, warning it could alter human civilisation, invade intimacy, and diminish our ability to understand meaning.
Catholic thinkers are particularly worried that AI's ability to remove “friction” and effort could lead to human isolation and a loss of essential human experiences and relationships.
The Church is actively engaging with AI, learning from past experiences with social media, and focusing on the technology's impact on consciousness and potential for idolatry.
While some believe Catholicism's embodied rituals will safeguard it, others fear AI's convenience could tempt people to replace traditional spiritual practices and community engagement.
Despite acknowledging significant risks and potential negative consequences, there remains a hope among some Catholic figures that Christianity's inherent resilience and human wisdom will help navigate the challenges posed by AI.