29 June 2026

In his recent encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas’, Pope Leo has expressed his concerns about AI and its unregulated impact on the world. ‘No computational system, however sophisticated, can create a heart that gives itself, or a conscience that discerns good from evil.’ (233)

His charge is to cultivate relationships. He is talking about physical relationships. ‘In an era which favours speed and fragmentation, the human person still yearns to receive care and recognition from attentive minds, kind words and hands capable of tenderness.’ he writes. (239)

The internet and, in particular, AI, cannot replicate this. There is a subtle attempt at it. AI responds immediately. It is attentive. It gives the impression of being objective but it is not neutral. Most concerning of all, it creates the illusion that it is a person. It asks you questions and refines the conversation.

But it is not real. It is artificial after all. Its intelligence is related to data processing and bears the marks of those who are involved in this process.  It has prejudices. It does not always tell the truth. It may even trick you into spending increasing amounts of time in its company. It is an addictive machine.

Artificial intelligences ‘may imitate language, behaviour and analytical skills or even simulate empathy and understanding, but they do not understand what they produce, for they lack the effective, relational and spiritual perspective through which human beings grow in wisdom.’ says the Pope. (99)