How can AI serve the common good and not just the powerful? Pope Leo XIV responds Pope Leo XIV reflected Dec. 5 at the Vatican on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence during a meeting with members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation and participants in the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities. In his address, the Holy Father pointed out that artificial intelligence affects certain essential characteristics of the human person, \u201csuch as critical thinking, discernment, learning, and interpersonal relationships.\u201d For the pontiff, this has a real impact \u201con the lives of millions of people, every day and in every part of the world.\u201d \u201cHow can we ensure that the development of artificial intelligence truly serves the common good and is not just used to accumulate wealth and power in the hands of a few?\u201d he then asked. To answer this question, the pope urged deeper reflection on \u201cwhat it means to be human in this moment of history\u201d \u2014 that is, those who are called to be collaborators in the work of creation and not simply \u201cpassive consumers of content generated by artificial technology.\u201d \u201cOur dignity,\u201d he added, \u201clies in our ability to reflect, choose freely, love unconditionally, and enter into authentic relationships with others.\u201d He also emphasized that this technology raises \u201cserious concerns about its possible repercussions on humanity\u2019s openness to truth and beauty, and capacity for wonder and contemplation.\u201d Consequently, he noted that \u201crecognizing and safeguarding what characterizes the human person and guarantees his or her balanced growth is essential for establishing an adequate framework for managing the consequences of artificial intelligence.\u201d Leo XIV mentioned his concern about the vulnerability of children and young people in this new reality, where their freedom and spirituality are at stake, as well as their intellectual and neurological development. Therefore, he warned that \u201cthe ability to access vast amounts of data and information should not be confused with the ability to derive meaning and value from it.\u201d In this context, he emphasized that \u201cit will therefore be essential to teach young people to use these tools with their own intelligence, ensuring that they open themselves to the search for truth, a spiritual and fraternal life, broadening their dreams and the horizons of their decision-making.\u201d He also emphasized the need to \u201crestore and strengthen their confidence in the human ability to guide the development of these technologies. It is a confidence that today is increasingly eroded by the paralyzing idea that its development follows an inevitable path.\u201d Finally, the Holy Father affirmed that these objectives can only be achieved through \u201cwidespread participation that gives everyone the opportunity to be heard with respect, even the most humble.\u201d This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Almudena Mart\u00ednez-Bordi\u00fa Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Second day of mourning for Pope Francis: Full text of homily by Cardinal Parolin Pope Francis At 88: Age-Old Wisdom, Intergenerational Dialogue At Heart Of Evangelization Latin patriarch of Jerusalem: Satan wants to rule where Jesus lived Vatican News: Peace Mission in Ukraine, Pope in Mongolia & Pope’s worldwide plan revive the family Pope Francis Tells Liturgists To Avoid \u2018Pageantry Or Prominence\u2019 Is the Synod on Synodality\u2019s focus on the local Churches a Trojan horse?<\/p>\n