Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV has cautioned priests against relying on artificial intelligence to craft their sermons and warned against seeking validation through social media metrics like “likes” on platforms such as TikTok. The Pope’s remarks, delivered during a question-and-answer session with clergy from the Diocese of Rome on February 19, underscore a growing concern within the Church regarding the impact of AI on spiritual practice and authentic connection with congregations.
The Pope emphasized the importance of intellectual exercise and personal faith in the preparation of homilies, stating that the human brain, like any muscle, requires consistent use to maintain its capacity. He argued that true preaching stems from a lived faith, something artificial intelligence is incapable of replicating. This guidance comes as the Vatican is actively addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation.
The Importance of Personal Reflection
“Like all the muscles in the body, if we do not use them, if we do not move them, they die. The brain needs to be used, so our intelligence must also be exercised a little so as not to lose this capacity,” Pope Leo said, according to a report from Vatican News. He stressed that a genuine homily is rooted in the sharing of faith, a capacity he believes is beyond the reach of artificial intelligence. The Pope’s comments reflect a broader concern about the potential for technology to diminish the personal and spiritual dimensions of religious leadership.
Pope Leo’s interest in the intersection of artificial intelligence and the dignity of work dates back to the first week of his pontificate, when he addressed the College of Cardinals. He specifically referenced Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which addressed the social impact of the first industrial revolution. The current Pope sees parallels between the challenges posed by industrialization and those presented by the rapid advancement of AI, particularly concerning its potential impact on employment and human purpose.
Navigating the Digital Landscape
The Pope also cautioned against the pursuit of online validation, describing the desire for “likes” and “followers” on platforms like TikTok as an “illusion.” He emphasized that authentic connection with a congregation requires a genuine sharing of faith and experience, not a manufactured online persona. “It’s not you: if we are not transmitting the message of Jesus Christ, perhaps we are mistaken and we must reflect very carefully and humbly about who we are and what we are doing,” he stated.
Beyond homily preparation, Pope Leo urged priests to prioritize a life of prayer and contemplation, emphasizing that this involves dedicated “time spent with the Lord,” rather than a perfunctory recitation of prayers. This emphasis on personal spiritual practice underscores the Pope’s belief that effective ministry stems from a deep and authentic relationship with faith.
Supporting Young People and Fostering Community
The dialogue with the clergy of Rome also addressed the challenges of reaching young people. Pope Leo encouraged priests to be attentive to the difficulties faced by families, including those experiencing divorce or parental absence. He stressed the importance of building relationships with young people based on genuine friendship and understanding, offering a positive role model rather than simply attempting to emulate youth culture. He also advocated for proactive outreach initiatives, suggesting activities like sports, art, and cultural events as avenues for engagement.
Recognizing the increasing isolation experienced by young people, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and with the pervasive use of smartphones, Pope Leo highlighted the need to foster “a human experience of friendship” and a sense of community. He believes that offering genuine connection can create opportunities to invite young people to explore their faith.
Priestly Fraternity and Witness to Life
Pope Leo also emphasized the importance of strong bonds among priests, encouraging them to resist “invidia clericalis” – clerical envy – and to prioritize mutual support, and collaboration. He shared an example from his hometown of Chicago, where a group of priests maintained a monthly gathering for decades, fostering a lasting community of faith and fellowship.
The Pope also addressed the sensitive issue of euthanasia, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to the sanctity of life. He urged priests to be witnesses to the value of life, even in the face of suffering, and to provide compassionate care to those who are ill, including administering Communion and the anointing of the sick. He acknowledged the challenges posed by a declining number of priests and an aging population, but stressed the importance of maintaining a personal presence in the lives of parishioners.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and permeate various aspects of society, Pope Leo XIV’s guidance offers a timely reminder of the enduring importance of human connection, personal faith, and authentic spiritual leadership. The Vatican’s ongoing efforts to address the ethical and practical implications of AI suggest that this conversation will continue to unfold in the years to come.
This guidance from Pope Leo XIV underscores the need for thoughtful consideration of how technology impacts spiritual practice and the role of faith leaders in a rapidly changing world. Further discussion is expected within the Church regarding specific guidelines for the use of AI in pastoral care and religious education.
