Pope Leo XIV Urges Technology to Uphold Human Dignity on World Communications Day

Vatican City, January 24, 2026: In his message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, to be observed on May 17, 2026, Pope Leo XIV has called on the global community to ensure that technology—especially artificial intelligence—remains at the service of the human person and never replaces or diminishes human dignity.

At the heart of the Pope’s message is a reflection on the uniqueness of the human face and voice, which he describes as essential expressions of personal identity and relationship. Created in the image and likeness of God, every human being carries a divine imprint that no technological system can replicate. Safeguarding human communication, he said, means protecting this irreplaceable dignity and vocation of each person.

Pope Leo XIV warned that today’s rapid technological development presents a serious anthropological challenge. While acknowledging the benefits of innovation, he cautioned that tools capable of imitating human voices, faces and emotions risk distorting authentic communication and weakening genuine relationships.

The Pope expressed particular concern over digital platforms and algorithms that prioritise speed, emotional reaction and visibility over reflection and truth. Such patterns, he noted, can undermine critical thinking, deepen social polarisation and reduce communication to manipulation rather than dialogue.

He also highlighted the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in areas such as information, creativity and decision-making, warning that excessive dependence may erode imagination, responsibility and human discernment. The expanding influence of automated systems and chatbots in shaping opinions and emotions, he said, raises serious ethical and cultural questions.

To meet these challenges, Pope Leo XIV proposed three guiding principles: responsibility, cooperation and education. He urged developers, policymakers, communicators and educators to act with transparency, defend human dignity and protect the integrity of information. Collaboration among institutions and sectors, he stressed, is essential to ensuring that technological progress serves the common good.

Concluding his message, the Pope underscored the importance of education in media, information and artificial intelligence literacy. Such formation, he said, must promote critical awareness, protect personal identity and nurture a responsible culture of communication.

Renewed care for the human face and voice, Pope Leo XIV affirmed, is vital if technology is to remain a true instrument of communion—one that advances progress while always placing the human person at its centre.

Courtesy: Vatican News

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download