In a message to participants of the Second Annual Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Corporate Governance, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgent moral responsibility that accompanies the development and use of artificial intelligence. The Pope praised the growing global attention to AI’s ethical implications, noting the Church’s active engagement in this dialogue, symbolized by hosting part of the conference in the Apostolic Palace.

“AI is above all else a tool,” Pope Leo affirmed, echoing his predecessor Pope Francis, and insisted that the true ethical weight of AI rests in the intentions of those who wield it. While he acknowledged the potential of AI to advance equality and scientific discovery—particularly in fields like healthcare—he warned against its misuse for selfish interests, manipulation, or even conflict.

At the heart of the Pope’s message was a call to ensure that the human person remains central in all AI development. “Integral human development” must be the guiding principle, he said—protecting not only material needs, but also intellectual, spiritual, and cultural well-being. He stressed that AI governance must uphold the dignity of the person and preserve the diversity and richness of human life.

Pope Leo expressed particular concern for youth, warning of the neurological and developmental consequences of unchecked AI exposure. He cautioned that “access to data must not be confused with intelligence,” and underscored the importance of helping young people form their consciences through intergenerational mentorship and moral reflection. Only in this way, he said, can the next generation use AI in service of truth, goodness, and solidarity.

Closing his address, the Pope praised the participants’ efforts and encouraged continued deliberation rooted in wisdom, justice, and the pursuit of the common good. “The task before you is not easy,” he said, “but it is one of vital importance.” He concluded by invoking divine blessings of “wisdom, joy, and peace” upon all present.

MESSAGE OF POPE LEO XIV TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, ETHICS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

“On the occasion of this Second Annual Rome Conference on Artificial Intelligence I extend my prayerful good wishes to those taking part. Your presence attests to the urgent need for serious reflection and ongoing discussion on the inherently ethical dimension of AI, as well as its responsible governance. In this regard, I am pleased that the second day of the Conference will take place in the Apostolic Palace, a clear indication of the Church’s desire to participate in these discussions that directly affect the present and future of our human family.

Together with its extraordinary potential to benefit the human family, the rapid development of AI also raises deeper questions concerning the proper use of such technology in generating a more authentically just and human global society. In this sense, while undoubtedly an exceptional product of human genius, AI is “above all else a tool” (POPE FRANCIS, Address at the G7 Session on Artificial Intelligence,14 June 2024). By definition, tools point to the human intelligence that crafted them and draw much of their ethical force from the intentions of the individuals that wield them. In some cases, AI has been used in positive and indeed noble ways to promote greater equality, but there is likewise the possibility of its misuse for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression.

For its part, the Church wishes to contribute to a serene and informed discussion of these pressing questions by stressing above all the need to weigh the ramifications of AI in light of the “integral development of the human person and society” (Note Antiqua et Nova, 6). 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. Ultimately, the benefits or risks of AI must be evaluated precisely according to this superior ethical criterion.

Sadly, as the late Pope Francis pointed out, our societies today are experiencing a certain “loss, or at least an eclipse, of the sense of what is human,” and this in turn challenges all of us to reflect more deeply on the true nature and uniqueness of our shared human dignity (Address at the G7 Session on Artificial Intelligence, 14 June 2024). 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. Acknowledging and respecting what is uniquely characteristic of the human person is essential to the discussion of any adequate ethical framework for the governance of AI.

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. Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility. They are our hope for the future, and society’s well-being depends upon their 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. No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI. But again, access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence, which necessarily “involves the person’s openness to the ultimate questions of life and reflects an orientation toward the True and the Good” (Antiqua et Nova, No. 29). In the end, authentic wisdom has more to do with recognizing the true meaning of life, than with the availability of data.

In this light, dear friends, I express my hope that your deliberations will also consider AI within the context of 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 (cf. ibid., 28). The task set before you is not easy, but it is one of vital importance. In thanking you for your efforts now and in the future, I cordially invoke upon you and your families the divine blessings of wisdom, joy and peace.”