Pope Leo XIV, during a visit to Cameroon, issued a strong warning regarding the development of artificial intelligence. He pointed to tangible risks for societies, interpersonal relationships, and the very perception of truth.
Speaking at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the growing role of technology in human life. He emphasized that “artificial intelligence systems are increasingly pervasively shaping our mental and social environments.” At the same time, he noted that the rapid development of AI requires not only technical expertise but also deep humanistic reflection. “Like every major historical transformation, this one too demands not only technical competence but also a humanistic formation,” the Pope said.
The Holy Father also highlighted the risks associated with human functioning in digital environments. As he observed, “in digital environments designed to exert influence, interactions are optimized to such an extent that real-world encounters become unnecessary.” In his view, this leads to the erosion of authentic relationships and reduces interpersonal contact to superficial reactions. The Pope also warned about the consequences of this process, stressing that “when simulation becomes the norm, the human capacity for discernment atrophies.”
Leo XIV further pointed to the serious social and political consequences of this phenomenon. “In this way, polarization, conflict, fear, and violence spread,” he noted, adding that the issue goes beyond mere technological errors. “This is not simply about the risk of making mistakes, but about a transformation of the very relationship between human beings and truth,” the Pope assessed. In his opinion, universities should play a key role in counteracting these threats, as they have a responsibility to educate future elites in a spirit of responsibility and service to the common good.