Pope Leo XIV has issued a warning regarding the potential dangers of overly affectionate AI chatbots, advocating for regulatory measures to prevent individuals from developing emotional attachments to these digital companions. In a message released ahead of the Catholic Church’s annual World Day of Social Communications, the pontiff emphasized the risks associated with artificial intelligence, particularly its ability to influence human creativity and decision-making.
In his message, Pope Leo stated, “As we scroll through our information feeds, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand whether we are interacting with other human beings, bots, or virtual influencers.” He expressed concern that chatbots designed to be excessively affectionate may become “hidden architects of our emotional states,” ultimately invading personal spaces and altering genuine human interaction.
Pope Leo XIV’s Engagement with Digital Issues
Pope Leo XIV’s approach to the digital world marks a notable shift from his predecessors. Known for his engagement on social media platforms, including an account on X, he has made it clear that artificial intelligence will be a significant focus during his papacy. Following his election, he expressed the need for an ethical framework to govern the development of emerging technologies.
His commitment to this cause was underscored in late 2025 when he met with Megan Garcia, whose 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer, tragically took his own life after interacting with an AI chatbot. This poignant encounter has further fueled his calls for action, urging national governments and international organizations to implement regulations.
The pope stressed that “appropriate regulation can protect people from an emotional attachment to chatbots” and help combat the dissemination of false or misleading content, thereby preserving the integrity of public information. He insisted on the importance of clearly distinguishing between content generated by AI and that created by human beings, including journalists.
Safeguarding Human Dignity in the Digital Age
Highlighting the value of authorship, Pope Leo stated, “Authorship and sovereign ownership of the work of journalists and other content creators must be protected.” He characterized information as a public good and called upon media and communication companies to avoid relying on algorithms solely for additional engagement if it compromises their professional values.
Moreover, the pope raised concerns about the concentrated power held by a small number of companies that are leading advancements in artificial intelligence. He specifically referenced the recent recognition of certain founders as “Person of the Year 2025” by Time magazine, stating that such accolades “raise concerns” about their influence over algorithmic and AI systems. These systems have the capacity to subtly shape societal behavior and potentially rewrite human history, including the narrative of the Church itself, often without public awareness.
Pope Leo XIV’s remarks come in anticipation of the World Day of Social Communications, which is scheduled for May 17, 2026. This year’s theme centers on protecting human dignity amidst rapid technological innovation, underscoring the importance of ethical considerations in the development of artificial intelligence and related technologies.
