As a technology journalist, I’m certainly not excited by the current hype surrounding AI. With the Trump administration reversing safeguards from the Biden era and the UK government attempting to pass legislation allowing AI developers to freely utilize copyrighted material, the context for caution seems clear. Pope Leo XIV, however, is advocating for a measured approach towards AI.

Recently addressing the College of Cardinals, he stated:

“Today, the church offers its trove of social teaching to respond to another industrial revolution and to innovations in the field of artificial intelligence that pose challenges to human dignity, justice, and labor.” (translated from The Wall Street Journal)

This framing of AI as a potential threat prompts reflection on the implications of its rapid evolution.

Interestingly, this dialogue comes at a time when many in Silicon Valley have worked hard to align themselves with the Vatican. The Vatican will soon host major tech company representatives for the second annual Rome conference focused on AI ethics and governance, where Pope Leo XIV is expected to give a written address.

In the words of Cardinal Versaldi,

“These tools shouldn’t be demonized, but they need to be regulated. The question is, who will regulate them? It’s not credible for them to be regulated by their makers. There needs to be a superior authority.”

As debates continue over the effects of AI technology on society and humanity, it is refreshing to see influential voices like those of Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Versaldi advocating for a careful and ethical discourse surrounding AI’s future.