Pope Leo XIV, recently elected, chose his papal name partly in recognition of the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in the modern world. In his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, he highlighted the influence of Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903 and was an advocate for social issues and workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution. The new pope underscored the relevance of Leo XIII’s encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which called for urgent solutions to the suffering of the working class.
Drawing parallels with the ongoing industrial transformation spurred by AI, Leo XIV noted the Church’s role in addressing contemporary issues surrounding human dignity, justice, and labor. The rise of generative AI has sparked concerns about job displacement, misinformation, and intellectual property conflicts. This issue was underscored by a viral AI-generated image of Pope Francis in 2023, illustrating the potential for AI to spread disinformation.
Pope Francis had previously warned about the dangers of AI, including the creation of “false narratives,” “echo chambers,” and new forms of exploitation and inequality. Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, expressed his commitment to continuing Francis’s mission focused on social justice. He emphasized the importance of following the legacy of past popes, advocating for a life dedicated to service and faith.
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV’s address signals a commitment to tackle the complexities introduced by AI, reaffirming the Church’s responsibility to protect human rights and advocate for justice in an evolving technological landscape.
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