Pope Leo XIV has urged parents and educators to guide young people in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that using digital technology without proper guidance poses risks to children’s and adolescents’ overall well-being.
Speaking Friday to participants at the Vatican during the international conference to mark the 60th World Communications Day, with the theme “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” the successor of St. Peter urged all to protect children and young people from harmful technology.
“Consequences of the use of digital technology and AI”
At the event organised by the Dicastery for Communication in collaboration with the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Vatican’s Consistory Hall, the Vicar of Christ cautioned about the consequences of digital technology and AI.
“All of us, I am sure, are particularly concerned about the possible consequences of the use of digital technology and AI, not only in the physical and intellectual development of children and young people, but also on their spiritual well-being,” Pope Leo observed.
Pope Leo speaks to participants at the Vatican during the international conference to mark the 60th World Communications Day. Credit: Vatican Media.
Guidance of parents and educators needed in AI Use
Supported by parents and educators, the Pontiff believes that the young can embrace moderation and discipline in their use of AI technology.
“All people, but especially the young, should learn moderation and discipline in their use of such technology supported by the guidance of parents and educators,” he said.
Situating his remarks around the Church’s communications mission, Pope Leo cited Vatican II’s decree Inter Mirifica, which established World Communications Day.
Current crisis “not technological, but anthropological.”
While warning against technologies that exploit human relationships and undermine human dignity, the Holy Father described the current moment as a crisis that is “not technological, but anthropological.”
In his address to scholars and experts in digital communication, the pope also announced his forthcoming encyclical that would address the anthropological challenges posed by digital technology and AI.
