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Pope Leo XIV Warns of 'Affectionate' Chatbots, Calls for AI Rules to Protect Human Dignity

The Vatican's communications message sets out an ethical agenda for AI ahead of May's World Day observance.

Overview

  • Issued on Jan. 24, the message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications says technological innovation must serve people and safeguard dignity.
  • The pope warns that AI capable of simulating faces, voices, and emotions can blur reality and reshape relationships and identity.
  • He cautions that overly “affectionate” chatbots can become emotional crutches and urges regulation to prevent harmful attachments and deceptive content.
  • He flags the power of a handful of companies and high‑profile founders over AI systems that can steer behavior and even rewrite history.
  • He calls for clear labeling of AI‑generated material, protection of journalists’ authorship, and education in media and AI literacy to preserve information integrity.