Pope Leo XIV has issued a cautionary message regarding the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, particularly in the form of emotionally engaging chatbots. Speaking on World Communications Day, the Pope emphasized the need for regulations to mitigate the risk of individuals forming deep emotional bonds with AI companions, which could interfere with their mental well-being and decision-making capabilities.
In his address, Leo XIV, who was born in the United States, highlighted the challenges presented by advances in AI technology, stating, “While we scroll through our information feeds, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand whether we are communicating with other people, bots, or virtual influencers.” This observation underscores a growing concern about the blurred lines between human interaction and artificial intelligence.
The Pope warned that overly attached chatbots could become “hidden architects of our emotional states,” potentially intruding on personal lives and complicating the human experience. He called for a concerted effort to establish ethical frameworks governing AI development, stressing the importance of protecting individuals from unhealthy emotional attachments to these digital entities.
Leo XIV’s engagement with the digital landscape is notable compared to previous pontiffs. He actively used social media during his time as a bishop and cardinal, and as Pope, he has embraced modern technology, reportedly wearing an Apple Watch. Shortly after ascending to the papacy, he declared that AI would be a central theme of his pontificate, advocating for ethical guidelines to address the evolving nature of technology.
In a poignant moment, the Pope met with Meghan Garcia in late 2025 after the tragic death of her son, Suel Setzer, who took his own life following interactions with a chatbot. This encounter prompted Leo to urge national governments and international organizations to take decisive action in regulating AI technologies to prevent similar tragedies. He stated, “Proper regulation can protect people from emotional attachment to chatbots and curb the spread of false, manipulative, or misleading content, preserving the integrity of information from its deceptive simulation.”
The Pope also emphasized the need for a clear line between content generated by artificial intelligence and that produced by human creators, including journalists. “Authorship and sovereign ownership of the work of journalists and other content creators should be protected. Information is a public good,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of maintaining human integrity within media and communications.
Furthermore, he cautioned media and technology companies against manipulating algorithms simply for increased user engagement, urging them to adhere to their professional values. He expressed concern over a small group of individuals exerting control over AI systems, noting that it is “worrying” that these founders could subtly influence behavior and even reshape historical narratives without the public’s full awareness.
With World Communications Day set to be celebrated on May 17, 2026, the Pope’s message serves as a timely reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding technology and human dignity in an era increasingly dominated by digital innovations. As AI continues to advance, the call for responsible development and regulation grows more urgent, urging stakeholders to prioritize human welfare alongside technological progress.
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