Pope Leo XIV has raised fresh concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the intellectual and neurological development of children and young people, warning that its widespread use could distort their perception of reality.
In a written address to the Second Rome Conference on AI on Friday, the American-born pope—who holds a degree in mathematics—emphasized that no generation in history has ever had such rapid and vast access to information as today’s youth, largely due to AI technologies. Yet he warned that this abundance of data must not be mistaken for true understanding or wisdom.
“Access to data—however extensive—must not be confused with intelligence,” he cautioned.
This marks the first time Pope Leo has spoken exclusively on AI since his election as the head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. While he has previously highlighted the ethical risks associated with AI, his latest comments focused specifically on its potential long-term cognitive effects on young users.
While he acknowledged the benefits of AI in fields like healthcare and scientific research, the pope expressed deep concern over its repercussions on humanity’s ability to perceive and process reality, a trait he described as uniquely human.
Pope Leo XIV has also been a personal victim of AI misuse. In recent weeks, deepfake videos and audio clips falsely portraying him have circulated widely on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, prompting renewed concern over misinformation and the ethical use of AI.
His comments come on the heels of a Reuters Institute report showing a surge in the number of young people relying on AI chatbots for news and updates, bypassing traditional news sources.
The Vatican has taken a proactive role in shaping the global conversation around AI ethics. Under Pope Francis in 2020, the Holy See launched the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a charter advocating for transparency, accountability, and the protection of human dignity in the development of artificial intelligence. Signatories include Microsoft, IBM, the United Nations, Italy, and several academic institutions.
What You Should Know
Pope Leo XIV, an American and former mathematician, is continuing the Vatican’s advocacy for ethical AI, warning that unchecked use—especially by children—could harm their ability to think critically and understand reality.
His warning follows reports of AI-generated deepfakes of the pope and increasing youth reliance on AI for news, raising fresh questions about the need for responsible innovation and digital education.
