Pope Leo XIV thanks media, pushes for ethical responsibility in age of AI

VATICAN CITY — In his first formal address to the media since assuming the papacy, Pope Leo XIV pressed the need for discernment and ethical responsibility in an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).

“This responsibility concerns everyone in proportion to his or her age and role in society,” the pontiff said on Sunday, May 12, before an audience of media representatives at the Paul VI Audience Hall in Vatican City.

“Communication is not only the transmission of information,” he said, “but the creation of a culture, of human and digital environments that become spaces for dialogue and discussion.”

Earlier this year, the Vatican City State adopted “Antiqua et nova”, or its guidelines on using AI, which states that the technology is “part of the collaboration of man and woman with God in perfecting the visible creation”.

The document quoted the late Pope Francis in saying that using the word “intelligence” in connection to AI “can prove misleading”, and as such, it “should not be seen as an artificial form of human intelligence, but as a product of it”.

“From this perspective of wisdom,” the document read, “believers will be able to act as moral agents capable of using this technology to promote an authentic vision of the human person and society. This should be done with the understanding that technological progress is part of God’s plan for creation.”

Journalists’ presence

Pope Leo XIV urged journalists to choose a path of communication grounded in truth, compassion, and peace, reaffirming the appeal first made by his predecessor, Pope Francis, for this year’s World Day of Social Communications to “disarm communication” of all forms of prejudice, aggression, and hatred.

“We do not need loud, forceful communication,” he said, “but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice.”

The pope also expressed gratitude for their work during what he described as a “time of grace” for the Church.

“Thank you for the work you have done and continue to do in these days,” Pope Leo XIV told journalists, many of whom had flown from different countries to cover the funeral of Pope Francis up to the recent conclave.

The new pontiff’s address echoed sentiments raised during the pre-conclave period, where a cardinal was referenced by the Holy See Press Office as highlighting the notable presence of journalists during those days.

The unnamed cardinal, who spoke during the tenth general congregation, described such presence as a sign that “the Gospel retains all its strength of meaning even in today’s world” and stressed that such presence also carries with it a responsibility.

The pontiff encouraged journalists not to fall into sensationalism or ideological divisions but instead to seek truth with humility.

“Communication and journalism do not exist outside of time and history,” Pope Leo XIV said, adding that the choices journalists make shape the cultural environments in which society lives.

Standing with journalists

The Catholic Church’s new leader also called for the release of journalists who have been imprisoned in the name of duty.

“The Church recognizes in these witnesses - I am thinking of those who report on war even at the cost of their lives - the courage of those who defend dignity, justice and the right of people to be informed,” he said.

Only an informed public, the Pope stressed, “can make free choices.”

Their suffering, he added, challenges the conscience of both nations and the international community.

He also thanked members of the press for their coverage of the Church’s recent transitions, praising them for moving beyond “stereotypes and clichés” to portray the beauty, diversity, and unity of the Church.

“You managed to recount the beauty of Christ’s love that unites and makes us one people,” he said.

He also acknowledged the “long and tiring days” endured by journalists during the coverage, and encouraged them not to give in to cynicism or mediocrity.

Citing Saint Augustine, he reminded the audience: “Let us live well, and the times will be good. We are the times.”

He closed with a message of hope and challenge: “Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world. Disarmed and disarming communication allows us to share a different view of the world and to act in a manner consistent with our human dignity.”

“You are at the forefront of reporting on conflicts and aspirations for peace,” the Pope told the journalists gathered. “For this reason, I ask you to choose consciously and courageously the path of communication in favour of peace.” — BAP, GMA Integrated News