Pope Cautions About the Dangers of AI for Young Minds

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his concerns regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the intellectual development of young people, particularly their grasp on reality.

In a message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI, the Pope acknowledged the benefits of AI in healthcare and scientific research but cautioned against confusing access to data with true intelligence. He emphasized that while AI can provide extensive information, it does not necessarily equate to wisdom. His statements come amidst the rise of deepfakes, with AI-generated content, including videos and audio messages, being used to impersonate public figures, including himself. This situation underscores the Vatican's efforts under Pope Francis to advocate for ethical considerations in the development and use of technology, such as the Rome Call for AI Ethics that promotes transparency and respect for privacy. The Church continues to engage with the evolving digital landscape to address the moral and societal implications of new technologies.