Pope Leo XIV called on Friday to reflect on 'the possible consequences of technology on the intellectual and neurological development' of young people and demanded 'coordinated action' from all sectors of society to regulate artificial intelligence.
'The advent of artificial intelligence brings rapid and profound changes to society, affecting essential human characteristics such as critical thinking, the ability to discern, learning, and interpersonal relationships,' said Leo XIV in a speech to members of the Centesimus Annus Foundation on the occasion of the seminar 'Artificial Intelligence and the Care of Our Common Home' held in Rome.
The pope wondered: 'How can we ensure that the development of artificial intelligence truly serves the common good, and not simply the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few?'
'A commitment that prioritizes any profit and vested interests, increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few,' warned the pontiff.
And he added that 'only through broad participation, allowing all voices, even the humblest, to be heard with respect, will it be possible to achieve these ambitious objectives.'
'This is an urgent question, as this technology already has a tangible impact on the lives of millions of people every day and all over the world,' he added.
And above all, the American and Peruvian pontiff urged for reflection: 'On a concern that should touch our hearts: the freedom and spirituality of our children and young people, with the possible consequences of technology on their intellectual and neurological development.'
According to Leo XIV, before 'the fundamental questions' of existence, 'realities often marginalized and even ridiculed by the prevailing cultural and developmental models (...), it will be crucial that young people learn to use these tools with their own intelligence, open to the search for truth, to a spiritual and fraternal life, broadening their dreams and the horizons of their mature decisions.'
To 'build a future with our youth that, also through the potential of artificial intelligence, reaches the common good,' said the pope, 'a coordinated and concerted action is required that involves politics, institutions, companies, finance, education, communications, citizenship and religious communities.'
'All these actors are called to fulfill a common commitment by assuming this shared responsibility.'
