Pope Leo XIV Urges Ethical AI, Press Freedom

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, made artificial intelligence (AI) a central focus in his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, drawing parallels between today's technological revolution and the Industrial Revolution addressed by Pope Leo XIII. He explained that his papal name honors Leo XIII's legacy of social justice and workers' rights, signaling the Church's intention to guide society amid new technological challenges. Building on warnings from Pope Francis, Leo XIV cautioned about AI's potential to spread misinformation and harm truth. He specifically urged journalists to use AI ethically and called for solidarity with imprisoned reporters, affirming the importance of free speech. The address positions the Church as a leading moral voice on the social and ethical implications of AI. Pope Leo XIV's proactive stance indicates that AI ethics will be a defining issue for his papacy.