[REVISION HISTORY]

Pope Leo XIV AI controversy

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-07-29 08:37 UTC → 2026-07-29 09:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In early July 2026, tech investor Peter Thiel alleged that Pope Leo XIV was acting as a Chinese communist agent in the field of artificial intelligence. The claim sparked discussion about the Vatican's stance on emerging technologies. Later that month, the Pope addressed young people across Brazil, Chile and Peru, urging responsible and disciplined use of AI and social media. He cited his May 2026 encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and promoted a balanced, ethical approach to digital technology that serves truth, the common good and human dignity. On 26 July 2026, Pope Leo XIV ~~expanded that outreach with~~ delivered a video message at the Halleluya Festival in Fortaleza, Brazil, warning that AI and social media can “immerse us in an unreal world.” He highlighted St Carlo Acutis as a model for responsible digital use and called for a “holy rebellion” that turns suffering into hope. A The same day he sent a written ~~address~~ note, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to a participants of the VII International Seminar on Church ~~communication seminar~~ Communication in Santiago, Chile, ~~reiterated~~ reiterating that every technological instrument must serve truth, goodness, beauty and ~~usefulness. In Peru, his broadcast at the II Diocesan Youth Day encouraged missionary zeal~~ usefulness, and ~~assistance~~ referencing his May 2026 encyclical. The remarks were reported in multiple languages, underscoring his global appeal to ~~the most vulnerable, reinforcing the Pope’s consistent message that technology should uphold human dignity~~ youth and church leaders on the ~~common good.~~ responsible use of emerging technologies.

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