Quick Lead
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Pope Leo XIV has shared that AI influenced both his vision and the selection of his papal name.
Robert Prevast was elected on May 8th, gaining a two-thirds majority support.
He emphasizes the work of Pope Leo XIII concerning social issues during the Industrial Revolution.
During his inaugural speech as Pope Leo XIV, he shared how AI not only influenced his thoughts but also helped with his choice of name. Robert Prevast, an Augustine missionary from Chicago, was elected on May 8 after securing a two-thirds majority from the Cardinals.
Pope Leo XIV, in addressing the University of Cardinals, drew parallels between himself and Pope Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903. He noted similarities between the quick industrialization of the 19th century and the present rise of AI.
“I selected the name Leo XIV for various reasons, primarily because of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, which tackled social issues during the first great industrial revolution,” he explained in a translation of his remarks.
The original document, published in 1891, focused on workers’ rights amid industrial changes.
The risks of AI
The Pope also addressed the potential dangers associated with AI, stressing that society must confront the ethical dilemmas posed by today’s technology.
“The Church will provide social education and guidance concerning finance in response to another wave of industrial revolution and advancements in AI, which present new challenges to human dignity, justice, and labor rights,” he asserted.
These comments come as US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself, humorously suggesting he might be reconsidering work.
Pope Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, frequently discussed the benefits and pitfalls associated with new technologies. Notably, in 2023, he became the target of AI-driven counterfeiting when a manipulated image of him in a designer white puffer jacket circulated widely online. In response, he cautioned against seemingly plausible yet false portrayals.
Pope Leo XIV’s formal installation took place in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025, marking the start of his papacy.
