Pope Leo XIV Warns of AI Risks to Children, Calls for Digital Education

Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning about the potential dangers artificial intelligence poses to young people, emphasizing that children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to manipulation through AI algorithms that can influence their decisions and preferences.

Speaking to participants at “The Dignity of Children and Adolescents in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” conference held Thursday at the Vatican, the pontiff stressed that protecting minors in the digital age requires more than just regulatory frameworks.

“Safeguarding the dignity of minors cannot be reduced to policies alone; it also requires a digital education,” the Pope told attendees. He noted that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming numerous aspects of daily life, including education, entertainment, and child safety, raising “important ethical questions, especially concerning the protection of the dignity and wellbeing of minors.”

The Holy Father called on parents and educators to become more aware of how AI systems can influence young minds, urging the development of tools to monitor and guide children’s technology interactions. This vigilance, he suggested, is essential as algorithms become increasingly sophisticated in their ability to shape preferences and behaviors.

In his address, Pope Leo emphasized the responsibility of governments and international organizations to design and implement protective policies. “This includes updating existing data protection laws to address new challenges posed by emerging technologies, and promoting ethical standards for the development and the use of AI,” he stated.

However, the pontiff was clear that regulations alone are insufficient. Recalling the words of his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo XIV reminded the audience that adults must rediscover their vocation as “artisans of education.” This concept highlights the need for mentorship that goes beyond simple rule-setting.

“What is needed are daily, ongoing educational efforts, carried out by adults who themselves are trained and supported by networks of collaboration,” the Pope explained. This approach would help young people understand the risks that both AI use and unrestricted digital access can pose to their development and relationships.

The pontiff advocated for a participatory approach to digital education, suggesting that “only by taking part in the discovery of such risks and the effects on their personal and social life can minors be supported in approaching the digital world as a means of strengthening their ability to make responsible choices for themselves and for others.”

This educational process represents what the Pope called “a vital exercise in safeguarding human originality and connectedness,” which must be guided by respect for human dignity as a fundamental value.

The conference comes at a critical time when AI technologies are advancing rapidly across global markets, with increasing integration into educational tools, social platforms, and entertainment consumed by children. Industry analysts have noted that the AI education market alone is projected to grow substantially in coming years, underlining the timeliness of the Vatican’s focus on this issue.

Child safety advocates have praised the Pope’s intervention, noting that religious leadership on ethical technology use can help shape broader societal norms around protecting children in digital environments.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo expressed hope that the conference would establish a solid foundation for ongoing service to children, young people, and the entire ecclesial and civil community. He emphasized that only through “an educational, ethical and responsible approach can we ensure that artificial intelligence serves as an ally, and not a threat, in the growth and development of children and adolescents.”

The Vatican’s engagement with artificial intelligence ethics reflects a growing recognition within religious institutions of technology’s profound impact on human development and dignity, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society.