In a significant intervention regarding the future of the digital age, Pope Leo XIV has called upon the international community to place human dignity at the heart of Artificial Intelligence development. Speaking at the annual conference of the International Catholic Legislators Network in Rome, the Pontiff emphasized that technological progress must serve the common good rather than function as a tool of imposition.
The Threat of New Colonialism
The Pope expressed grave concern that AI could widen the gap between wealthy and poor nations. He employed the term “technological colonialism,” warning that the rapid advancement of these systems risks creating new forms of dependency, where less developed nations become increasingly reliant on technologically powerful ones.
“The world does not need an artificial intelligence that diminishes humanity; rather, it needs human intelligence enlightened by wisdom,” he stated.
Algorithms and “Invisible Dominance”
Particular emphasis was placed on the lack of accountability within digital platforms. The Pontiff denounced the functioning of algorithms as tools of “invisible dominance,” which arbitrarily decide who is promoted or marginalized, thereby distorting public discourse. Furthermore, he stressed that the optimization of technological systems must not come at the expense of labor rights and worker dignity.
Protecting Family and Youth
Pope Leo XIV called for legislative regulations to serve as a shield for the institution of the family. He warned against the reduction of human relationships to mere digital data and the exposure of young people to content that alters their judgment and desires. He concluded by urging lawmakers to promote policies that strengthen social cohesion and trust, rather than competition and cold calculation.
