RismadarVoice Reporters
September 16, 2026
Pope Leo XIV has warned against allowing artificial intelligence to make critical decisions affecting people’s lives, calling for human responsibility and judgement to remain central as the technology becomes increasingly integrated into society.
The pontiff raised concerns about the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in areas where decisions could have significant consequences for individuals, families and communities.
He cautioned that while AI could provide useful tools and improve efficiency, technological systems should not replace human judgement in matters requiring responsibility, compassion and an understanding of individual circumstances.
Pope Leo also expressed concern that excessive dependence on artificial intelligence could make human relationships increasingly impersonal as technology assumes roles traditionally involving direct interaction between people.
His remarks add to the wider international debate over the appropriate use of artificial intelligence as governments, companies and institutions increasingly adopt AI-powered systems.
HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY MUST REMAIN CENTRAL
The Pope stressed the importance of ensuring that people remain responsible for decisions with significant consequences for human lives.
His position reflects concerns surrounding the use of automated systems in areas such as employment, healthcare, education, financial services and public administration, where algorithmic decisions can directly affect individuals.
The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence has increased calls internationally for safeguards addressing accountability, transparency and human oversight.
Pope Leo’s warning centres on the principle that technological capability should not automatically determine whether machines should be entrusted with decisions carrying substantial human consequences.
CONCERNS OVER HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
Beyond decision-making, the pontiff also drew attention to the potential impact of artificial intelligence on interpersonal relationships.
He warned that increased reliance on technology for communication and interaction could reduce the personal dimension of relationships if digital systems begin replacing meaningful human engagement.
The concern comes as artificial intelligence systems increasingly perform functions involving communication, information gathering, customer service,serviceon and other forms of interaction.
The Pope’s remarks underline the need to balance technological advancement with the preservation of human dignity, responsibility and genuine interpersonal relationships.
GLOBAL AI DEBATE CONTINUES
Artificial intelligence has expanded rapidly across industries in recent years, providing new opportunities for productivity, scientific research, education and economic development.
Its expansion has, however, been accompanied by concerns about misinformation, privacy, employment, discrimination, accountability and the extent to which automated systems should influence important decisions.
Governments and international organisations are consequently examining regulatory frameworks intended to encourage innovation while reducing potential risks.
Pope Leo’s intervention places particular emphasis on the human consequences of the technology rather than technological advancement alone.
The pontiff maintained that artificial intelligence should ultimately serve people rather than diminish human responsibility or replace relationships that depend on empathy, understanding and direct human interaction.
