Pope Leo XIV has been featured on Time magazine’s prestigious “Time 100 AI” list for 2025, recognized as one of the world’s leading thinkers shaping humanity’s response to artificial intelligence. The Pope’s chosen name pays homage to Leo XIII, who famously confronted the challenges of the Industrial Revolution by advocating for workers' rights against exploitative industrial systems.
Time magazine highlights Leo XIV as a unique spiritual counterweight to the tech-dominated discourse in Silicon Valley. Since his papacy began in May 2025, he has emphasized AI as the "new industrial revolution," calling for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor amidst rapid technological change.
At a recent Vatican conference on AI ethics and corporate governance, his keynote speech underscored AI’s potential for immense good in areas like healthcare but also warned of risks including alienation, misuse for selfish gain, and exacerbating conflict. The Catholic Church, with its 1.4 billion members, represents a formidable influence in the global dialogue on AI.
Officials such as Bishop Paul Tighe stress that AI's social and environmental impacts are of paramount concern for the Vatican. Pope Leo’s commitment has fostered intensified dialogue between the Vatican and tech companies, building a foundation of trust for collaborative efforts toward responsible AI development.
With a background in mathematics, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of the technology alongside a moral framework rooted in Catholic social teaching. His role is seen as pivotal in advocating for regulations and ethical standards that balance innovation with human values.