Pope Leo calls for usage of AI to respect 'truth of humankind'

Pope Leo has called for artificial intelligence to be developed and used in a way that respects the “truth of humankind.” Speaking during his weekly Vatican address, he also urged renewed commitment to environmental protection amid global conflicts.

Reuters

17 May 2026 at 11:45:57

Pope Leo calls for usage of AI to respect 'truth of humankind'

Pope Leo XIV speaks during a visit to Sapienza University of Rome, in Rome, Italy, May 14, 2026.

Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

Pope Leo on Sunday (May 17) during his weekly prayer from the window of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace appealed for the usage of AI in a way that respects the 'truth of humankind'.

He further said that all technological innovation should be 'directed' towards this value system.

The first U.S. pontiff, in the context of talking about the Catholic 'Laudato Si' movement which promotes ecological conversion, also mentioned the importance of committing to preserving the environment and decried how "progress in this area has been greatly slowed down" due to recent wars.

Pope Leo, whom this month marked a year leading the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church on May 8, has been ramping up his schedule and speaking up more forcefully against global conflicts, attracting the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after criticizing the Iran war.

Production: Clara Schoenthaler/Reuters