Pope Leo XIV's Warning about AI "One of the serious problems today," the Pope specifically warned, "is the fact that decisions concerning human life are being entrusted to machines." FULL TEXT

Pope Leo XIV on Friday in the Vatican met with members of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), of which the Holy See is also a member.

Founded in 1930 in the aftermath of the Great Depression, the Institute seeks to help public authorities adapt governance to the changing needs of society.
Recalling that the theme of this year's Conference issued an appeal to our world in the digital age to maintain a proper balance in the use of digital technologies, the Pope said this appeal echoes that which he made in his Encyclical Magnifica humanitas on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence.
FULL ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER POPE LEO XIV
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE "INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES"

Blessing Hall, Friday, August 28, 2026
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
peace be with you.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hello, welcome and thank you for your patience this morning as well !

I am very pleased to meet you at the end of your annual conference here in Rome: you, members of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences, who have come from all over the world and of which the Holy See is also a member.

Your Institute, which was founded in 1930, in the aftermath of the great economic crisis that the world experienced, has as its vocation to be “an incessant appeal to the conscience of political authorities in order to adapt social life to the continually changing conditions of the time, so that it may realize the intentions and plans of the Wisdom of the Creator” (cf. Pius XII, Address to the participants at the VIIIth International Congress of Administrative Sciences , August 5, 1950).

The theme of your Conference, which has just concluded, is a powerful appeal to our world in the digital age to maintain a balance in the use of digital technologies. This appeal echoes the one I made in my recent Encyclical on the protection of the human person in the age of Artificial Intelligence . Today, we cannot ignore this reality, which directly impacts our way of life and permeates every level of social interaction. The rapid pace of innovation in artificial intelligence compels us to ask whether we will be able to control these machines in the future, whether humanity risks becoming a victim of its own inventions. One of the most serious problems today is the realization that decisions concerning human life are being entrusted to machines.

In light of this worrying situation, I welcome your meeting, which aims to reaffirm the irreplaceable nature of human intelligence in the face of these technological tools. Your reflections and work can help the authorities make decisions in this area for the good of humanity. “Calling for caution, rigorous controls, and sometimes even a slowdown in the adoption of AI does not mean being against progress, but showing responsible concern for the human family” ( Magnifica humanitas , no. 106).

It is therefore important to develop a certain ethical framework to guide the use of these important tools, which unfortunately are concentrated in the hands of major economic and technological players, and which the state struggles to control. It is essential to ensure that the well-being of the human family is not sacrificed for private interests.

I encourage you to continue your research to find ways and means to contribute to public administration for the humanization of digital technologies, so that they serve life and peace. This is what Pope Francis already invited us to do when he raised the alarm about the responsible use of these technologies, when he said that: “We have […] a duty to broaden our perspective and direct technical and scientific research towards peace and the common good, for the service of the integral development of man and community.” ( Message for the 57th World Day of Peace , 1 January 2024).

Dear members of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences, I know that your mission is not easy and that discouragement may sometimes overtake you. I pray to the Almighty that He will sustain you, so that you may continue this noble task with determination. Upon you all, I invoke God's abundant blessings. Thank you!
Translated from https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/08/28/0673/01254.html