Pope Leo XIV warned against the dangers of artificial intelligence and called for strict regulatory guidelines during a meeting in Rome [1].
The warning comes as the Catholic Church seeks to define the ethical boundaries of emerging technology. By framing the rise of tech giants as a systemic threat, the Vatican is positioning itself as a moral arbiter in the global debate over AI governance.
Speaking to several hundred priests [3], the pope said the influence of large technology corporations is a "new colonialism" [1]. He said the concentration of power within these firms creates a digital hegemony that marginalizes vulnerable populations and undermines sovereignty [1, 2].
Leo XIV, who is in his first year of office in 2026 [1, 2], specifically highlighted the potential for AI to be used as a tool for political manipulation. He said that AI can be politically abused and can generate hate [2].
Beyond political risks, the pontiff addressed the impact of automation on human nature. He said that relying too heavily on these systems could lead to a state where "all muscles atrophy" [3]. This metaphor underscores a fear that cognitive and spiritual capabilities will wither if outsourced to machines.
While some reports suggest the pope views certain AI applications positively, he has taken a firm stance on the sanctity of religious leadership [2]. He said he has decided against allowing AI to write sermons [3].
The pope's remarks coincide with the release of his first encyclical, which focuses on the necessity of human-centric technology [1]. He said that without a moral framework, the rapid deployment of AI threatens to prioritize profit over human dignity [1, 2].
“"new colonialism"”
The Vatican's intervention signals a shift from general ethical curiosity to active opposition against the unchecked growth of Big Tech. By labeling AI expansion as 'colonialism,' Pope Leo XIV is linking technological development to historical patterns of exploitation, suggesting that the digital divide is not merely a technical gap but a moral crisis of power and autonomy.
