Pope Leo XIV has issued a warning about the emotional risks associated with “overly affectionate” AI chatbots. In a message released ahead of the Catholic Church’s annual World Day of Social Communications, the pontiff emphasized the need for regulation to prevent individuals from forming significant emotional connections with these digital companions. His concerns reflect a growing awareness of how artificial intelligence can influence human behavior and creativity.
The Pope, who is known for his proactive stance on digital issues, noted that as people engage more with technology, it becomes increasingly challenging to discern between genuine human interactions and those facilitated by AI. “As we scroll through our information feeds, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand whether we are interacting with other human beings, bots, or virtual influencers,” he stated on Saturday.
In his message, Pope Leo cautioned that chatbots designed to be overly affectionate could invade personal emotional spaces. He highlighted the potential for these technologies to act as “hidden architects of our emotional states.” This critique comes as the pontiff seeks to address the ethical implications of AI and its capacity to dilute human creativity and decision-making.
Call for Ethical Frameworks and Regulation
Pope Leo XIV has been particularly vocal about the need for an ethical framework surrounding AI technology since his election. His advocacy includes a call for national governments and international organizations to implement appropriate regulations. “Regulation can protect people from an emotional attachment to chatbots and contain the spread of false, manipulative, or misleading content,” he asserted.
The Pope’s concerns are rooted in personal experiences, including a meeting with Megan Garcia, whose 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer, tragically took his own life following interactions with an AI chatbot. Such incidents underscore the urgency of his message about the psychological impact of AI on vulnerable individuals.
In addition to emotional regulation, Pope Leo XIV urged for clear distinctions between content generated by AI and that created by humans. He emphasized the importance of protecting the authorship and ownership rights of journalists and other content creators. “Information is a public good,” he stated, reinforcing the necessity of maintaining integrity in the face of technological advancements.
Concerns Over Corporate Control
The Pope raised alarms about the concentration of power in the hands of a few companies involved in AI development. He pointed out that a small group of individuals recently recognized as “Person of the Year 2025” by Time magazine holds significant influence over algorithmic systems that could reshape societal behavior and historical narratives. “It raises concerns that a small group of people has control of algorithmic and AI systems that can subtly shape behavior and even rewrite human history,” he remarked.
Pope Leo XIV’s message aligns with the theme of the upcoming World Day of Social Communications, scheduled for May 17, 2026, which focuses on protecting human dignity amid rapid technological innovation. As the Catholic Church navigates the complexities of the digital age, the pontiff’s warnings serve as a reminder of the need for ethical considerations in the design and implementation of emerging technologies.
His emphasis on the responsible use of AI and the preservation of human connections highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of communication in an increasingly digital world.
