Pope Leo XIV has voiced serious concern over the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on young people, warning that it could harm their cognitive and emotional development.
In a written address to the second Rome Conference on AI on Friday, June 20, the pope said the increasing reliance on AI technologies may be distorting the way younger generations perceive and process reality.
“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,” he stated.
The American-born pontiff, who holds a degree in mathematics, said that while AI offers unprecedented access to information, this should not be mistaken for true understanding.
“No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI,” he noted. But again, access to data, however extensive , must not be confused with intelligence.”
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Pope Leo acknowledged the advantages of AI in advancing research, particularly in healthcare and science.
However, he cautioned that such benefits come with complex challenges that could affect humanity’s ability to grasp reality with depth and clarity.
He also shared personal experience as a recent victim of AI manipulation. In recent weeks, AI-generated videos and audio clips featuring fake messages attributed to him have surfaced on YouTube and TikTok.
The pope’s warning comes amid growing dependence on AI-driven tools, especially among young people seeking news and updates.
This marks Pope Leo XIV’s first exclusive message on AI since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church on May 8. He has consistently raised concerns about the unchecked advancement of the technology.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his message by stressing the importance of steering AI innovation with moral clarity, especially as its impact on younger generations becomes more pronounced.