Argentine Priest Uses AI-Recreated Voice to Address Pope Leo XIV

CÓRDOBA, Argentina, November 12, 2026: An Argentine priest who lost his ability to speak following a surgical complication used artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate his voice and deliver a personal testimony to Pope Leo XIV during the Pontiff’s meeting with clergy in Córdoba.

Father Martín Carranza of the Archdiocese of Córdoba addressed the Pope at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption during a gathering of priests, seminarians and religious. Unable to speak because of his physical condition, he communicated through loudspeakers using an AI-generated version of his former voice, with another priest supporting him.

Father Carranza’s condition dates back to May 2015, when he suffered severe oxygen deprivation during a surgical procedure. The complications left him paralysed, with limited movement in his hands and body, partial blindness and an inability to speak.

Before the incident, he had been involved in priestly formation at the major seminary in Córdoba. Losing his voice significantly altered his ability to communicate and carry out his ministry.

With the support of his family, friends and Radio María, an international Catholic radio network, he eventually found a way to communicate through artificial intelligence.

The technology was developed using recordings of his voice made before the surgery, including recordings of his homilies. These audio samples were used to train an AI model capable of reproducing his original voice.

He now uses the system to convert written reflections, Mass texts and meditations into audio recordings that sound like his former voice.

During his meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Father Carranza used the technology to ask how priests could remain committed to their mission when illness or physical disabilities prevent them from carrying out their ministry in the usual way.

The Pope responded by rising from his place to embrace and bless the priest, acknowledging his testimony.

The encounter highlighted how technology can help people with disabilities overcome communication barriers and remain actively involved in their communities and ministries.

During the same visit, Pope Leo XIV cautioned priests against relying on artificial intelligence to prepare their homilies, stressing that preaching must emerge from personal faith and spiritual depth.

The two encounters offered contrasting perspectives on the use of AI in the Church: while technology cannot replace the personal and spiritual preparation essential to preaching, it can serve as an important tool for communication and inclusion.

For Father Carranza, AI has provided more than a digital recreation of his former voice. It has enabled him to continue sharing his reflections, participating in the Church’s life and making his testimony heard.

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Source: Premier Christian News

Picture Courtesy : Vatican Media