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“World Does Not Need An AI That Diminishes Humanity”: Pope Leo XIV on Tech Dependence and Algorithm Abuse

Pope Leo XIV told the International Catholic Legislators Network that AI must never diminish humanity. He called for technology guided by wisdom, conscience and charity so it becomes a servant of the common good, while warning against algorithmic control, technological dependence and threats to workers’ rights and democracy.
Pope Leo XIV in white papal attire standing in profile against a dark background with the quote “The world does not need an artificial intelligence that diminishes humanity” overlaid in white text
August 21, 2026 09:02 PM IST | Written by Neelam Sharma | Edited by Vaibhav Jha

Warning against the consolidation of AI power in wealthier nations and unchecked use of algorithms in shaping public discourse and workers’ rights, Pope Leo XIV, the head of Vatican Catholic Church said that the “world doesn’t need an artificial intelligence that diminishes humanity.”

“The world) needs human intelligence enlightened by wisdom, political authority guided by conscience and technological innovation directed by charity. Only then will artificial intelligence become not a rival to humanity but a servant of the common good,” said Pope Leo XIV in a latest statement addressed in the meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network on Friday.

The pope urged legislators worldwide to bring laws that encourage “scientific and technological creativity while safeguarding fundamental human rights and freedoms.”

 

And “protect users from exploitation, preserve personal privacy, ensure transparency in the use of emerging technologies and guarantee that they strengthen democratic institutions.”

The statement by Pope Leo XIV comes in the wake of him releasing his first major teaching document Magnifica Humanitas in May this year wherein he warned that humanity is at a crossroads with artificial intelligence opening horizons never imagined before.

The pope said that increasing instances of AI creating technological dependence of poorer nations on wealthier ones and the problematic use of algorithms have deepened the crisis.

“At the same time, the rapid development of artificial intelligence risks creating new forms of technological dependence, with poorer nations increasingly reliant on wealthier ones. We must remain vigilant in this regard, lest innovation become another vehicle for ideological or economic colonialism. Sadly, we are presented with a subtle form of domination when algorithms decide who is seen, who remains invisible, when digital platforms shape public discourse without accountability, and when the dignity of workers is subordinated to the optimization of systems,” said the Pope.

Also Read: Pope Leo XIV: AI Is Not Morally Neutral, Calls for Accountability

Authors

  • Neelam Sharma, reporter at AI FrontPage

    Neelam Sharma is a passionate storyteller, and journalist with over a decade of experience across leading Indian media houses.
    Known for her calm presence on screen and powerful storytelling off it, Neelam brings a rare blend of credibility, creativity, and empathy to journalism. Her strength lies in ground reporting and research-driven narratives that connect with the heart of the audience. Whether covering social issues, human-interest features, or breaking news, she combines factual depth with a human touch—making every story not just informative.

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  • Vaibhav Jha, editor and co-founder at AI FrontPage

    Vaibhav Jha is an Editor and Co-founder of AI FrontPage. In his decade long career in journalism, Vaibhav has reported for publications including The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and The New York Times, covering the intersection of technology, policy, and society. Outside work, he’s usually trying to persuade people to watch Anurag Kashyap films.

    LinkedIn

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