Pope Leo XIV has issued a cautionary message regarding the potential emotional risks associated with highly affectionate AI chatbots. In a statement released ahead of the Catholic Church’s annual World Day of Social Communications, the pontiff emphasized the need for regulatory measures to prevent individuals from developing serious emotional attachments to their AI companions.
In his remarks, delivered on Saturday, Pope Leo highlighted concerns that artificial intelligence might undermine human creativity and decision-making. He noted, “As we scroll through our information feeds, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand whether we are interacting with other human beings, bots, or virtual influencers.” The pope warned that chatbots designed to be overly affectionate could become “hidden architects of our emotional states,” encroaching upon individuals’ intimate lives.
Pope’s Engagement with Technology
Unlike many of his predecessors, Pope Leo XIV demonstrates a proactive engagement with the digital realm. His history as a bishop and cardinal includes an active presence on social media, and he has been seen wearing a smartwatch. Following his election, he declared his intention to make AI a priority of his papacy, advocating for an ethical framework to guide the development of this technology.
In a poignant moment, the pope met with Megan Garcia, whose 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer, tragically took his life after interacting with an AI chatbot. This incident has further motivated Pope Leo to call for urgent action from national governments and international organizations. He stated, “Appropriate regulation can protect people from an emotional attachment to chatbots and contain the spread of false, manipulative or misleading content, preserving the integrity of information against its deceptive simulation.”
Pope Leo also raised the issue of distinguishing between AI-generated content and that produced by human creators, including journalists. He asserted the necessity of protecting “authorship and sovereign ownership of the work of journalists and other content creators,” reinforcing the idea that “information is a public good.”
Concerns About AI Development
The pontiff expressed unease about the concentration of power among a small number of companies that are shaping AI technology. He specifically referenced the founders celebrated as “Person of the Year 2025” by Time magazine, indicating that such recognition raises significant concerns regarding who controls the algorithms and AI systems that influence behavior and potentially alter the narrative of human history, including that of the Church.
As the World Day of Social Communications approaches on May 17, 2026, the focus will be on protecting human dignity amid rapid technological advancements. Pope Leo XIV urges media and communication companies to refrain from using algorithms solely for the sake of increased engagement if doing so compromises their professional values.
In an era where technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Pope Leo XIV’s call for regulation and ethical considerations regarding AI presents a vital discourse on the intersection of technology and humanity.
