Pope Leo XIV Creates Vatican Commission to Study AI and Human Dignity
Pope Leo XIV announced a new Vatican commission on May 19, 2026, to examine artificial intelligence and its effects on human dignity. The commission will include theologians, ethicists, and technology experts. The Vatican said the group will produce guidelines for Catholics on the ethical use of AI tools.
Pope Leo XIV announced the creation of a Vatican commission focused on artificial intelligence on May 19, 2026.
The commission will study how AI affects human dignity, labor, privacy, and social relationships. It will include Catholic theologians, bioethicists, and technology experts from several countries.
The Vatican said the group will produce practical guidelines for Catholics and Catholic institutions on the ethical use of AI. It will also advise the Holy See on AI-related policy questions.
The announcement came as AI tools have become widely used in education, healthcare, and media. Church leaders in several countries have raised concerns about AI-generated content, job displacement, and the use of AI in surveillance.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the topic in a recent encyclical, calling for technology to serve human flourishing rather than replace human connection. He said AI must be guided by moral principles and cannot substitute for human relationships or spiritual life.
The commission is expected to hold its first meeting in Rome in September 2026. It will report findings to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Several other religious bodies, including the World Council of Churches, have also formed working groups on AI ethics in recent months.
