The Pope's New Focus: AI and Human Dignity

The new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has quickly made it clear that he has strong views on artificial intelligence. He chose his name to honor a previous pope who spoke out about the Industrial Revolution. That pope, Leo XIII, was concerned about how new technology and capitalism could turn workers into mere commodities. He believed the church should stand up for workers' rights and dignity. Pope Leo XIV seems to think the church should do the same today, but this time with AI. The new pope has talked about how AI has huge potential, but he also wants to make sure it's used for the good of everyone. He sees AI as a big challenge for defending human dignity, justice, and labor. This might seem surprising, but the Catholic Church has a history of engaging with technology. In the Middle Ages, the church was actually a big driver of innovation. They believed that technology could help humans reach a state of perfection, like Adam before his fall from grace. This idea led to many inventions and advancements. The church has always had a complex relationship with technology. They've supported it when it aligns with their values, but they've also criticized it when they think it's harmful. As humans have gained more power, the church has had to say "no" to more things. But Pope Francis, who came before Leo XIV, showed that the church can engage with technology in a positive way. He met with tech leaders and talked about how technology can be used for good. He also warned about the dangers of AI and the need for regulation. The AI revolution is raising big questions about power, labor, and human agency. These are exactly the kinds of questions that religion is good at addressing. So, it makes sense that religious leaders would weigh in on AI. They can provide a moral compass and help guide us through these complex issues. Pope Leo XIV has a big opportunity to bring the church's teachings into the 21st century and help us navigate the challenges of AI.