The Pope and his AI version: what does the pontiff think?

Pope Leo XIV has admitted that he rejected the idea of creating a virtual version of himself based on artificial intelligence that would respond to people instead of him. The idea involved launching an AI avatar that would be available to everyone for a personal audience, but the pontiff categorically opposed it.

This is reported by Politico.

Leo XIV said that he was asked to allow a digital copy of himself to be created using artificial intelligence – the so-called “artificial Pope” – who could hold personal audiences with anyone who wanted to.

“This AI pope would give them answers to their questions, and I said, ‘I’m not going to authorize that.’ If there’s anyone who shouldn’t be represented by an avatar, I would say the Pope is high on the list,” the pontiff said.

Since the beginning of his pontificate in May, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly expressed concern about the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity, especially on children and young people. In a conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, he called for the development of “ethical artificial intelligence that serves people.” The Pope also highlighted the threat automation poses to society.

“Human dignity has a very important connection to the work that we do. If we automate the whole world and only a few people have the resources … there is a big problem, a huge problem that is looming,” he said.

Earlier, Pope Leo XIV expressed his belief that Vatican mediation between Ukraine and Russia is unlikely .

Also during Sunday prayer with the faithful , Pope Leo XIV wished Ukraine a speedy, true and just peace .

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