Pope Leo XIV has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could have damaging consequences on the intellectual development of young people, potentially affecting their grip on reality.
In a written message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI on Friday, the pope expressed concern about the impact of AI on children’s and young people’s intellectual and neurological development.
Since his election as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, the pope, a mathematics graduate has repeatedly warned of the risks associated with AI but this is the first time he has spoken out exclusively on the subject.
“All of us are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development,” the American pope warned in a written message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI.
“No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI, ” he said.
While acknowledging the benefits of AI in enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery, Pope Leo emphasised that access to extensive data through AI should not be confused with intelligence.
“But again, access to data, however extensive must not be confused with intelligence,” Leo told business leaders, policymakers and researchers attending the annual conference.
While welcoming the use of AI in “enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery,” the pope said it “raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions” on humanity’s “distinctive ability to grasp and process reality.”
He also raised concerns about AI’s potential repercussions on humanity’s distinctive ability to grasp and process reality.
The pope’s warning comes amid growing concerns about the spread of deepfake videos and audio messages, including those impersonating him.
An investigation revealed dozens of social media pages broadcasting AI-generated messages masquerading as genuine comments from the pope.
A recent survey found that many young people are using chatbots to get news headlines and updates.
The Catholic Church has been actively engaged in promoting ethical thinking surrounding AI, building on initiatives started by Pope Francis, including the Rome Call for AI Ethics.
AFP
