Pope Leo XIV has called for the protection of human dignity, creativity and authentic relationships amid the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology.
In his message for the World Day of Communications, the Pope said human faces and voices remained sacred expressions of identity, relationship and divine love, warning that unchecked technological advancement could erode the foundations of human communication and social interaction.
The Pontiff cautioned against overreliance on algorithms and artificial intelligence systems that imitate human emotions, relationships and creativity.
He warned that social media algorithms designed to maximise engagement often promote outrage and emotional reactions while discouraging reflection, critical thinking and meaningful dialogue.
According to him, excessive dependence on AI risks weakening people’s analytical, emotional and communication abilities, while also threatening human creativity in literature, music, journalism and the arts.
The Pope expressed concern over the increasing use of chatbots, virtual influencers and AI-generated content capable of simulating human relationships and manipulating public opinion.
He also warned against deepfakes, misinformation and digital fraud, saying AI systems could fabricate parallel realities and make it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from fiction.
The message noted that a handful of technology companies now wield enormous influence over digital communication and information ecosystems, raising concerns over monopolistic control and manipulation of public discourse.
He stressed that the challenge posed by AI was not merely technological but anthropological, requiring society to safeguard humanity itself.
“The task before us is not to stop digital innovation, but to guide it responsibly and ensure that technology remains an ally of humanity,” the Pope stated.
The message identified responsibility, cooperation and education as key pillars for addressing the ethical challenges posed by AI and digital technology.
The Pope urged technology companies to prioritise the common good above profit, while calling on developers to ensure transparency and accountability in AI systems.
He also appealed to governments and regulators to enact laws protecting human dignity, privacy and truthful information from manipulation and abuse.
Media organisations were advised to clearly label AI-generated content and uphold professional standards of accuracy, transparency and truthfulness.
The Pope further stressed the importance of introducing media, information and AI literacy at all levels of education to help people think critically and identify misinformation.
According to him, digital literacy is essential for helping individuals understand how algorithms shape perceptions, how AI biases operate and how personal data can be protected.
He encouraged families, schools, religious bodies and civil institutions to promote responsible digital citizenship and protect vulnerable groups from exploitation online.
The Pontiff reiterated the need to preserve authentic human relationships, creativity and communication in the digital age.
“We need faces and voices to speak for people again. We need to cherish communication as the deepest truth of humanity,” he stated.
The Pope commended journalists, educators, artists and other stakeholders working to promote ethical communication and the common good through the media.
