In a historic moment that signals a new chapter for the Catholic Church, newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered his first major address on Saturday, May 10, warning about the moral risks of artificial intelligence and calling for peace across war-torn regions.
Standing before the College of Cardinals in the Vatican’s New Synod Hall, Pope Leo XIV—born Robert Francis Prevost—issued a passionate call for the Church to rise to the challenges posed by the digital age. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding human dignity in an era where artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, cautioning that these innovations present “new challenges for the defense of human dignity.”
Pope Leo XIV’s papal name pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for championing social justice during the industrial revolution. In the same spirit, Pope Leo XIV made it clear that he intends to guide the Church with a firm commitment to ethical leadership in the age of technology.
Just a day later, on May 11, he addressed the public for the first time from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica during the traditional Regina Caeli prayer. The Pope had just visited the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and shared heartfelt words with those gathered in the square.
“I wanted so much to come here in these first days of the new ministry to carry forward this mission as the Successor of Peter,” he said. He encouraged young Catholics not to shy away from religious vocations, saying, “Do not be afraid! Welcome the Church’s invitation and that of Christ the Lord!”
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV also made a series of global peace appeals. He called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas. He applauded the recently declared ceasefire between India and Pakistan and urged the world to believe in the “miracle of peace.”
“No more war!” he proclaimed, echoing a familiar refrain from his predecessor Pope Francis. He reflected on the recent 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, reminding the world of the devastating toll of conflict and the urgent need to build bridges, not walls.
As the first American-born pope and a multilingual leader fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, Pope Leo XIV is already being seen as a unifying figure. A former missionary and head of the Dicastery for Bishops, he brings a blend of traditional faith and modern awareness to the papacy.
His message on AI reflects a growing concern among religious and ethical leaders worldwide. As society becomes increasingly dependent on algorithms and automation, the Pope is urging the Church to take a leadership role in ensuring these technologies respect human values and do not strip individuals of their inherent worth.
With his early emphasis on peace, justice, and moral clarity in technology, Pope Leo XIV is positioning himself as a spiritual leader for a world on the brink of transformative change.
