Pope Leo XIV Urges AI Rules that Protect People, not Concentrate Power

Pope Leo XIV has issued a sweeping warning on artificial intelligence, calling for technology to remain firmly at the service of humanity rather than deepening existing power imbalances.

In his first papal encyclical, a traditional, authoritative letter used by the Catholic Church to set out its position on major issues the Pontiff devotes roughly 42,300 English-language words to AI’s promises and risks. The document argues that AI must be governed by strong regulation, educational safeguards and clear limits on its role in warfare and the economy.

AI is powerful, but not human

Leo XIV stresses that current AI systems, despite their impressive capabilities, should not be confused with human intelligence.

He warns against “the misconception of equating this type of ‘intelligence’ with that of human beings,” noting that these systems “merely imitate certain functions of human intelligence.” In doing so, he acknowledges, AI can often surpass humans “in speed and computational capacity,” bringing “tangible benefits across many fields.”

But he draws a sharp line between computational performance and human experience. According to the encyclical, so‑called artificial intelligences:

• “do not undergo experiences” and “do not possess a body,”
• “do not feel joy or pain,”
• “do not mature through relationships,”
• and “do not know from within what love, work, friendship or responsibility mean.”

The Pope argues that AI systems lack moral conscience and cannot “judge good and evil, grasp the ultimate meaning of situations, or bear responsibility for consequences.” While they may “imitate language, behaviour and analytical skills, or even simulate empathy and understanding,” he writes, “they do not understand what they produce,” because they lack the “affective, relational and spiritual perspective through which human beings grow in wisdom.”

The remarks were presented alongside Anthropic co‑founder Christopher Olah, underscoring the Vatican’s intent to engage directly with AI researchers and industry leaders.

Calls for regulation, child protection and human control over weapons

Beyond philosophical questions, Leo XIV’s encyclical focuses heavily on the social and political consequences of AI. He calls on governments to develop “adequate regulatory tools capable of upholding justice and curbing the distorting effects of technological power.”

The Pope highlights that wealth is already heavily concentrated and warns that AI could intensify this trend if left unchecked. He urges policymakers to ensure that AI development and deployment do not further concentrate economic power “in the hands of very few people.”

On national security, Leo XIV is explicit: decisions about weapons must remain in human hands. He says leaders must ensure that “humans, not AI,” make all decisions related to weapons in the future, staking out a clear moral boundary around autonomy in warfare.

Education and child safety form another major pillar of the encyclical. The Pope calls for “an educational alliance for the digital age,” aimed at teaching young people to think critically about AI and to resist “apathy for seeking the truth.” He argues that regulation should shield minors from:

• “violent or degrading” AI‑generated content, and
• grooming and sexual exploitation facilitated or amplified by digital tools.

In the workplace, Leo XIV cautions that AI‑driven efficiency and profits must not be used to justify “systematic job loss.” He encourages retraining initiatives and employment protections for workers whose roles are at risk due to automation, signalling concern about the social impact of rapid technological change.

Despite these warnings, the encyclical does not reject AI outright. The Pope writes that AI should not be seen “as a force antagonistic to humanity.” Instead, he suggests that, if “carefully managed,” it could “open up a horizon extending in all directions,” pointing to the technology’s potential benefits when aligned with human dignity and the common good.

The Vatican has already begun experimenting with AI in limited, practical ways. In February, it partnered with language service provider Translated to offer AI‑powered live translation for people attending Holy Mass, an example of using the technology to broaden access to religious services.

Leo XIV’s encyclical situates AI as a defining issue for governments, educators, technology companies and faith communities alike, arguing that the choices made now will determine whether the technology amplifies inequality and harm or becomes a tool for shared benefit.