Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the intellectual and neurological development of young people, cautioning that it could distort their understanding of reality.
In his first exclusive statement focused entirely on AI, the pontiff—who holds a degree in mathematics—voiced concern in a message to attendees of the second Rome Conference on Artificial Intelligence. The conference drew global business leaders, policymakers, and researchers to the Italian capital to deliberate on the ethical implications of rapidly evolving technologies.
“All of us are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development,” the American-born pope stated in his message. “But again, access to data—however extensive—must not be confused with intelligence.”
While acknowledging the benefits of AI in advancing medical research and scientific innovation, Pope Leo cautioned that the technology raises “troubling questions” about its broader impact on humanity’s unique ability to understand and engage with reality.
The warning comes amid a growing wave of concern about misinformation and manipulation via AI-generated content. In recent weeks, Pope Leo himself has been targeted in deepfake videos and audio clips circulating widely on YouTube and TikTok, falsely portraying him speaking on sensitive issues in multiple languages.
An AFP investigation earlier this month uncovered dozens of accounts distributing AI-generated messages that appeared to impersonate the pope, raising alarms about the influence of synthetic media on public discourse.
A new survey from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism also revealed that a significant number of young people are now relying on AI chatbots to receive news updates—further fuelling concerns about the erosion of critical thinking and discernment among the digital-native generation.
The Vatican has been actively engaged in shaping global ethical standards for emerging technologies. Under Pope Francis, the Church launched the Rome Call for AI Ethics in 2020, a declaration signed by major institutions including the United Nations, Microsoft, IBM, and Italy’s Ministry of Innovation. The pact advocates for transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity in AI development and deployment.
Pope Leo XIV’s latest remarks reaffirm the Vatican’s commitment to this cause and signal a renewed emphasis on protecting young minds in an era where digital tools increasingly influence cognition, learning, and worldview.
“Technology must serve humanity, not define it,” the pontiff’s message concluded, urging continued vigilance and global cooperation to ensure AI enhances rather than diminishes the human experience.
