Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy with Emphasis on AI and Social Justice - AI, a main Challenge for humanity

/ The first American pope outlines his vision rooted in Catholic tradition, social reform, and technological ethics, as he pays homage to the Madonna and Pope Leo XIII.

👉 Pope Leo XIV identifies artificial intelligence as a defining challenge of our time.

👉 He vows continuity with Pope Francis’ legacy, especially in social outreach and inclusivity.

👉 Leo made his first public appearance at a Marian sanctuary significant to his Augustinian roots.

👉 He maintains his episcopal motto and coat of arms centered on unity and Scripture.

Pope Leo XIV launches his papacy by addressing artificial intelligence as a key challenge
to human dignity and equity.

Vatican City (AP) — In his first full day as pope, Leo XIV laid out the framework of his papacy, placing artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of the Church's engagement with modern ethical challenges. Echoing the social teachings of his namesake Pope Leo XIII, the newly elected pontiff emphasized the need for defending human dignity, labor, and justice in the face of rapid technological advancement.

Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of the Augustinian order, became the first American pope after being elected on the fourth ballot in one of the most diverse conclaves in Vatican history. He received more than 100 of 133 votes, indicating overwhelming support.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Symbolism

Shortly after presiding over his first formal audience with the cardinals, Leo visited the Madonna sanctuary in Genazzano, south of Rome. The sanctuary, the Madre del Buon Consiglio, holds historical significance for the Augustinian order and was elevated by Pope Leo XIII in the early 1900s.

In a warm exchange with locals, Leo described the Madonna’s presence as both a gift and a responsibility. He prayed at the site, greeted townspeople, and later stopped at the St. Mary Major Basilica to pray at Pope Francis’ tomb.

AI and the Church’s Social Vision

Referencing Pope Francis’ 2013 apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Leo committed to a Church that is inclusive, missionary, and attentive to the marginalized.

He highlighted the urgent moral implications of artificial intelligence, calling for renewed Catholic social teaching. “The Church must respond to this new industrial revolution,” he stated, noting that AI challenges how we define work, fairness, and personhood.

Leo invoked Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum—the seminal 1891 encyclical on workers’ rights—as a parallel moment in Church history, suggesting the need for a similar response today.

Continuity with Pope Francis

Despite stepping into a unique historical role, Leo made it clear that his papacy builds on Francis’ reformist vision. From choosing a simple black Volkswagen to continuing Francis’ emphasis on collegial governance and popular piety, the new pope signals both humility and continuity.

He also retains his bishop’s motto—In Illo uno unum ("In the one, we are one")—and the Augustinian emblem of a flaming heart and Scriptures. His pectoral cross contains relics of St. Augustine and St. Monica, underscoring his spiritual lineage.

Vatican and Public Response

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, praised Leo’s ability to understand “people and situations” and commended his calm leadership in Peru and Rome. His pastoral work in Chiclayo, Peru, and his leadership in vetting bishop appointments in 2023, had prepared him for this historic role.

Leo’s early messages have been met with standing ovations, signaling hope for a new era of faith-driven dialogue on pressing global concerns.

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