Pope Leo XIV Calls for AI to Support, Not Replace, Human Thought

Context Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff and a former mathematics major, has repeatedly spoken about AI since his election in May 2025. The Vatican expects his first encyclical on artificial intelligence to be signed on May 15 and released by month’s end. In speeches, interviews and messages he has warned that AI should not erode human judgment, creativity or dignity. His comments have earned him a place on Time’s 2025 list of influential figures in AI.

Key Facts Addressing a video‑linked audience of 16,000 young people at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis last November, the pope said, “Use it in such a way that if it disappeared tomorrow, you would still know how to think.” He urged them to avoid letting AI limit their growth and to retain the ability to create, act and form authentic friendships on their own. In a separate address to legislators from 68 countries gathered at the Vatican for the Jubilee of Governments, he stated that artificial intelligence must function as a tool for the good of human beings, not to replace them. He added that AI can help society only when its use does not undermine personal identity or fundamental freedoms. These statements echo his earlier warnings to priests not to rely on chatbots for homilies and to the media to preserve human voices and faces.

What It Means The pope’s guidance frames AI as an aid that should complement, rather than supplant, human cognition and moral reasoning. By emphasizing independent thought, he highlights concerns about over‑reliance on automated tools for learning and decision‑making. His message to lawmakers reinforces a growing international debate over AI governance, stressing that regulation should protect human dignity and prevent concentration of power. Observers note that his stance could influence Catholic educational policies and inspire similar calls from other faith‑based groups.

What to watch next The release of Pope Leo XIV’s AI encyclical in mid‑May will likely shape the Vatican’s formal position on the technology and may prompt further dialogue with policymakers and tech leaders.