In his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, newly elected Pope Leo XIV described artificial intelligence as one of the greatest challenges to human dignity, justice, and labour in the modern world. Speaking in Italian, the US-born pontiff compared the rise of AI to the first industrial revolution, calling it a moment that demands a strong moral and social response from the Catholic Church.
“The Church today must once again draw from her treasury of social teaching,” he said, referencing Pope Leo XIII’s historic Rerum Novarum encyclical, which addressed the rights and conditions of workers during the industrial revolution. “We are living through another such revolution, driven by artificial intelligence—where human dignity, justice, and labour are at stake.”
Pope Leo XIV also pledged to carry forward what he called the “precious legacy” of Pope Francis, praising his predecessor’s emphasis on humility, service, and social justice. He urged the cardinals to recommit to these values and to confront modern challenges with courage, particularly those posed by rapid technological advancement.