Pope Leo XIV has issued a fresh warning about the negative effects that artificial intelligence can have on the “intellectual and neurological development” of rising generations. Source: CNA.
“All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development,” the Pope said in a message on Friday to participants at the second annual Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Corporate Governance, held June 19–20 in Rome.
“Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey toward maturity and true responsibility,” he said.
He said young people are the “hope for the future” and that the wellbeing of society “depends upon their being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities”.
Thus, according to the message made public by the Vatican Press Office, Pope Leo assured that while never before has a generation had “such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI,” this should not be confused with the ability to understand the workings of the world.
“Access to data – however extensive – must not be confused with intelligence,” he said. “Authentic wisdom has more to do with recognising the true meaning of life than with the availability of data.”
Similarly, he warned that AI can also be misused “for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression.”
At the beginning of his message, written in English, the pontiff stressed the “urgent need” for “serious reflection and ongoing discussion on the inherently ethical dimension of AI as well as its responsible governance.”
The Pope was particularly pleased that the second day of this meeting took place in the Apostolic Palace and assured that it was “a clear indication of the Church’s desire to participate in these discussions.”
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Pope Leo XIV on AI: ‘All of us are concerned for children and young people’ (By Victoria Cardiel, CNA)
