Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Lebanon and Turkey Highlights Concerns Over Artificial Intelligence and Technology
During his inaugural international trip as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV journeyed through Lebanon and Turkey for six days, delivering messages centered on peace, unity, and the ethical challenges posed by rapidly evolving technologies. His visit, which concluded in early December 2025, drew attention not only for its traditional calls to end conflict in a historically turbulent region but also for the pope’s distinctive focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (A.I.)—a theme that has marked his early papacy.
Addressing Technology’s Promise and Perils
Almost every public address during the tour underscored the need for reconciliation and harmony amid the Middle East’s enduring conflicts. Yet, perhaps more unexpectedly, Pope Leo repeatedly voiced his apprehensions about the growing influence of digital technologies. Shortly after arriving in Turkey, he reflected on the role of A.I., emphasizing that such technology ultimately mirrors human preferences and decisions rather than functioning autonomously. He warned that the acceleration of digital processes demands critical examination, stating, “Even artificial intelligence simply reproduces our own preferences and accelerates processes that, on closer inspection, are not the work of machines, but of humanity itself.”
In his remarks, Leo called upon global communities to collaborate in “changing the trajectory of development” and healing divisions that technological progress might exacerbate within human society. His commentary suggests a profound awareness of both the opportunities and risks presented by the digital age.
A Pope With a Digital-Age Perspective
Pope Leo XIV made history as the first U.S.-born pope and the first from the baby boomer generation, born in 1955. This background appears to shape his nuanced perspective on technology’s role within the Church and wider culture. Even before his visit to the Middle East, he had highlighted the positive potential of digital connectivity, pointing to social media and live streaming as means of uniting Catholics worldwide.
Continuing a thematic lineage from his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo broadened the conversation around technology’s ethical implications. Francis had previously cautioned against uncritical enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, urging responsible usage. Pope Leo expanded these concerns early in his papacy, urging the Roman Catholic Church to confront the challenges A.I. presents to “human dignity, justice and labor.” He has consistently reminded policymakers, technology creators, and artists alike that digital tools cannot replace the unique creativity and individuality inherent in human beings.
The Symbolism of the Journey
In Turkey’s central Istanbul, Pope Leo was greeted at a mosque, symbolizing his commitment to interfaith dialogue and regional unity. Throughout his visit, the tone was one of bridge-building—spanning divisions both political and technological—to promote harmony among peoples and within the evolving landscape shaped by human innovation.
Looking Ahead
Pope Leo XIV’s focus on artificial intelligence throughout his first major foreign trip signals that the Catholic Church under his leadership will continue to engage actively with the digital era’s moral and social questions. His calls emphasize caution and ethical stewardship amid rapid technological change, advocating for a balance that preserves fundamental human values.
As global conversations around A.I. increasingly occupy the international agenda, Pope Leo’s intervention provides a distinct voice urging reflection not only on peace and unity in traditional arenas but also on the profound implications of humanity’s digital future.
