Pope Leo XIV: AI must serve human dignity and strengthen peace

Pope Leo XIV: AI must serve human dignity and strengthen peace

In a world marked by conflict and division, the development of artificial intelligence must be guided by wisdom and charity so that technological progress may serve the dignity of every person and strengthen the bonds that unite the human family.

This is the message at the heart of Pope Leo XIV’s words to participants in the first edition of AI4Peace, an international symposium dedicated to the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, the protection of human rights and global governance.

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends cordial good wishes to all gathered for the AI4Peace, Global Biennial Symposium & International Conference,” the message states, expressing the Pope’s hope that the discussions will contribute “to a renewed and widespread commitment to placing technological innovation at the service of the common good.”

The message was read by Fr Andrea Ciucci, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Life, during the symposium at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

AI and the dignity of every person

Pope Leo situates the discussion on artificial intelligence within a world experiencing conflict and division. In such a context, he says, technological development requires not only technical expertise but also a vision “inspired by wisdom and charity”.

The aim, he stresses, should be to ensure that technological progress “may serve the dignity of every person and strengthen the bonds that unite the human family.”

The Pope then refers to his Encyclical Magnifica humanitas, recalling that God’s “plan of mercy continues to unfold throughout history today” and “becomes a compass in the digital era for living our lives according to the Gospel” (No. 230).

Artificial intelligence as an instrument of peace

Pope Leo encourages the participants to examine ways in which artificial intelligence can contribute to peace when its development and use are guided by concern for the good of others.

He invites them in particular to explore how AI can “foster dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity among peoples”, helping to transform the fruits of technological innovation into “instruments of peace”.

The first edition of AI4Peace – Global Biennial Symposium & International Conference opened on Monday at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

The meeting brings together experts and researchers to examine the role of artificial intelligence in relation to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution, human rights and governance.

The Pope concludes his message entrusting the participants’ work to the hope that it will produce lasting results, “With the assurance of his prayers that their efforts will bear lasting fruit.”