Pope Leo XIV Refuses to Authorize an AI Pope, Warns of the Risks to Humanity
September 19, 2025 – In an era increasingly dominated by advances in artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV has taken a firm stance against the creation of an AI Pope, calling the technology "an empty, cold shell that will do great damage to what humanity is about."
In a recent interview with his biographer Eloise Allen, the pontiff expressed strong reservations about using artificial intelligence to represent the spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church. When asked about proposals to create a digital avatar of the Pope capable of answering questions and offering personal audiences, Pope Leo was unequivocal in his response.
"Someone recently asked authorization to create an artificial me so that anybody could sign onto this website and have a personal audience with ‘the Pope,’" he said. "This artificial intelligence Pope would give them answers to their questions, and I said, ‘I’m not going to authorize that.’"
Concerns Over the Dehumanization of Society
Pope Leo’s objections extend beyond the concept of an AI Pope to broader concerns about how AI could transform society. He likened the rise of artificial intelligence to "another Industrial Revolution," referencing his namesake Pope Leo III, who famously addressed the exploitation of workers during the original Industrial Revolution. For Pope Leo XIV, the rapid technological progression fueled by AI threatens human dignity, justice, and the meaningful labor that gives people purpose.
"If we automate the whole world and only a few people have the means with which to more than just survive, but to live well, have meaningful lives, there’s a big problem, a huge problem coming down the line," he warned. The Pope voiced apprehension over "extremely rich people who are investing in artificial intelligence but totally ignoring the value of human beings and of humanity."
He stressed the Church’s vital role in speaking out against these trends. "If the Church doesn’t speak up, or if someone doesn’t speak up about that—but the Church certainly needs to be one of the voices here—the danger is that the digital world will go on its own way and we will become pawns, or left by the wayside."
Technology Without the Human Heart
Though the Pope is not opposed to progress or technology itself, he fears losing crucial human elements in the rush toward automation and digital solutions. "I think to lose that relationship will leave science as an empty, cold shell that will do great damage to what humanity is about," he explained. "And the human heart will be lost in the midst of technological development, as things are going right now."
Pope Leo’s perspective echoes growing global debates about the ethical implications of AI. Tech industry leaders and policymakers alike grapple with how to balance innovation with human dignity, privacy, and fairness. Some executives advocate for granting AI systems rights or citizenship—a move the Pope and many others view with caution.
The Church’s Voice Amid AI Revolution
Pope Leo’s clear call for the Church to act as a moral compass amid the AI revolution aligns with his past statements emphasizing justice and human values. He underscores the need for leaders and communities to ensure technology serves people rather than diminishes their worth.
Amid the serious reflections on AI, the interview also revealed the Pope’s lighter side—he even expressed fondness for Pokémon, sharing a humorous anecdote about receiving and signing a Pokémon card.
As AI continues to evolve rapidly, voices like Pope Leo XIV’s remind the world that human dignity and ethical considerations must remain front and center. The pontiff’s refusal to endorse an AI version of himself is a symbolic and practical stance for the preservation of what it means to be human in a digital age.
This article is based on an interview featured by PC Gamer and originally reported by Rich Stanton on September 19, 2025.
