Pope Leo XIV Unveils His Vision for the Papacy: Tackling AI as a Key Challenge for Humanity

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has set his vision for the papacy, spotlighting the urgent issue of artificial intelligence (AI). He aims to carry forward key priorities from Pope Francis while making his own mark. His first public appearance after the election took him to a renowned sanctuary in Genazzano, dedicated to the Madonna and significant to his Augustinian order.

Townsfolk gathered to greet Leo at the Madre del Buon Consiglio sanctuary, a pilgrimage site since the 15th century. After offering a blessing to the crowd, he hopped into a black Volkswagen, accompanied by Vatican security.

During his first formal audience with cardinals, Leo echoed Francis’s commitment to a more inclusive church, one that is attentive to the faithful and advocates for the marginalized. A significant point in his address was the challenge AI poses to human dignity, justice, and labor. Leo’s focus on AI reflects a broader concern echoed by many leaders worldwide, emphasizing that emerging technologies must prioritize humanity.

Leo draws inspiration from Pope Leo XIII, who led the church from 1878 to 1903. Leo XIII’s encyclical, Rerum Novarum, addressed workers’ rights amid the industrial revolution, critiquing both unregulated capitalism and strict socialism. Today, Leo XIV suggests that the church must respond to our current “industrial revolution,” characterized by advances in AI that threaten traditional values of human dignity.

Former Pope Francis also highlighted the threats posed by AI. He pushed for an international treaty to regulate its development, stressing that unchecked AI might reduce human interactions to mere data. In a significant address to the G7 leaders, he urged them to ensure technology serves humanity, not the other way around. His annual peace message also reiterated the need for ethical AI development grounded in compassion and morality.

Notably, Leo XIV’s election as the first American pope came as a surprise, reflecting a shift in traditional views. Cardinals from various backgrounds quickly rallied around him, with reports indicating he received more than 100 votes, well above the two-thirds needed to win. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, once a leading contender, praised Leo’s understanding of modern problems, emphasizing his calm approach and compassion for others.

In essence, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy aims to navigate complex modern challenges, including the rise of AI, while honoring the church’s rich history of social teaching. As he embarks on this journey, his commitment to inclusivity, justice, and a human-centric approach to technology will likely shape his leadership moving forward.

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