Context:

Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, emphasized the urgent need for the Catholic Church to address the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, likening this era to the industrial revolution. He highlighted the importance of human dignity and justice, urging the Church to defend workers in the face of technological advancements. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, aligns his mission with Pope Leo XIII's historical focus on social justice, continuing the Vatican's efforts in digital outreach and ethical guidelines for AI. He stressed that AI's development should prioritize people over profit, echoing the Church's commitment to Gospel principles and social teaching. The Pope also reflected on the recent passing of Pope Francis, describing the transition as a spiritual turning point filled with grace and a renewed commitment to dialogue and care for the poor.

Dive Deeper:

• Pope Leo XIV addressed the College of Cardinals, warning that AI presents serious risks to human dignity and calls for moral clarity and bold action from the Church.

• The Pope compared the challenges posed by AI to those of the 19th-century industrial revolution, emphasizing the Church's historical role in defending workers and promoting justice.

• Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, connects his mission with Pope Leo XIII's focus on social justice, emphasizing the Church's treasure of social teaching in response to technological and AI developments.

• Under Pope Francis, the Vatican expanded its digital outreach and introduced ethical guidelines for AI, which Pope Leo XIV intends to continue, promoting transparency in AI development.

• The Pope stressed that AI should prioritize human welfare over profit, echoing Gospel principles and urging Catholics to engage in quiet prayer and discernment amidst the digital world's noise.

• Reflecting on the death of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV described the transition as a 'paschal event,' a spiritual turning point, and expressed gratitude for his predecessor's life of service.

• He called for a renewed commitment to the Church's path since the Second Vatican Council, encouraging more listening, dialogue, and care for the poor, envisioning a Church rooted in tradition yet courageous in facing the future.