Pope warns against undermining human 'dignity' in AI, social media era
Europe
By
AFP
| Jul 29, 2025
Pope Leo XVI on Tuesday called on the world to protect human "dignity" online as it faces the "challenge" of AI, at the Vatican's first mass for Catholic influencers.
He was speaking as thousands of young Catholics are in Rome this week for the Vatican's Jubilee of Youth -- an event that takes place every 25 years -- and as the Catholic Church tries to promote its message online amid a fall in church attendance.
"Nothing that comes from man and his creativity should be used to undermine the dignity of others," Leo told young Catholic social media figures at a mass in St Peter's Basilica.
He called on the world to protect "our ability to listen and speak" in the "new era" of artificial intelligence.
The Vatican is holding a two-day event bringing together what it calls "digital missionaries and Catholic influencers" from around the world in a bid to promote its presence online.
READ MORE
Kenya wins three-year AGOA extension, securing jobs
When trust is what it takes to make good profit
Unlocking Kenya's next phase of growth through powering SMEs
Why Telegram remains most restricted social media platform globally
Low financial literacy holding back more funding to farmers, says top bank official
Hiking is the new exploration cashcow for Africa's foresight
US now opens door for Kenya to reclaim vital Agoa trade benefits
How low production is slowing down jobs in the wholesale and retail sector
Bold policy implementation needed to jumpstart Kenya's auto industry
It is the first time the centuries-old institution holds such an event.
He also called on Catholic social media influencers to convince others to create content that will "entail seeking out those who suffer and need to know the Lord."
Since taking over the papacy in May, the pope -- an American mathematics graduate -- has repeatedly warned about the dangers of AI for young people.