As Artificial Intelligence (AI) develops at remarkable speed, the Catholic Church is increasingly reflecting on its moral and spiritual implications.
In recent remarks, Pope Leo XIV has described AI as a powerful force that presents both opportunity and serious concern. Speaking in December, the pontiff said that while AI opens new paths for creativity and innovation, it also raises important questions about humanity’s relationship with truth, beauty and meaning.
He warned that access to vast amounts of information should not be confused with wisdom. According to the pope, technology must never replace the human search for purpose, nor should it weaken society’s ability to reflect deeply on life’s fundamental questions.
Pope Leo XIV has compared the rise of AI to the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century. Explaining his choice of papal name, he pointed to Pope Leo XIII, who addressed workers’ rights and social justice during a time of major economic upheaval.
The current pope said today’s technological transformation presents similar challenges, particularly in defending human dignity, labour and justice. He stressed that the Church’s social teaching remains relevant in guiding ethical responses to emerging technologies.
Beyond Church circles, debate continues over how advanced AI systems may become. Dario Amodei, chief executive of Anthropic, recently acknowledged uncertainty about whether highly developed AI models could one day show signs resembling consciousness.
Anthropic’s AI system, Claude, is among the leading large language models currently in use. Amodei has said researchers are studying how such systems process information, while cautioning that observable patterns do not prove machines possess awareness or feelings.
The discussion has gained urgency as governments and military bodies explore the use of AI in defence strategy. The Holy See has consistently voiced opposition to fully autonomous weapons systems, arguing that decisions over life and death must remain under meaningful human control.
Pope Leo XIV has emphasised that society must guide technological progress rather than be shaped blindly by it. He said building a future that serves the common good requires renewed confidence in humanity’s ability to direct innovation responsibly.
While speculation about self-aware machines often captures public imagination, the Church’s focus remains clear: technology must serve the human person, not replace or diminish human dignity.
As AI continues to expand into daily life, the debate over its ethical boundaries is likely to intensify, placing moral leadership and careful regulation at the centre of global discussion.
Source: Crux
