Pope Leo XIV has outlined the vision for his papacy, identifying artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the most pressing issues facing humanity. During his first formal audience on Saturday, he emphasized his commitment to the core priorities established by his predecessor, Pope Francis, aiming to create a more inclusive Catholic Church that advocates for the “least and rejected.”

As the first American pope, Leo reaffirmed his dedication to the reforms initiated by the Second Vatican Council, held in the 1960s. He articulated that AI presents significant challenges in defending human dignity, justice, and labor. This focus on AI aligns with the social teachings of the Church, echoing the sentiments of Pope Leo XIII, who laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social thought with his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers’ rights and the impacts of capitalism.

In his address, Leo highlighted the ethical implications of AI, stating that the Church offers its social teaching in response to the new challenges posed by this technology. He recalled that Pope Francis had voiced concerns about the potential risks of AI, arguing that it could reduce human relationships to mere algorithms. Francis had previously called for an international treaty to regulate AI, emphasizing the necessity of keeping human decision-making central, especially regarding the use of technology in warfare.

Pope Francis also advocated for the ethical development of AI, warning that a technology devoid of human values could lead to perilous consequences. Leo’s choice of papal name reflects his commitment to the social issues of his time, following in the footsteps of his namesake, who tackled pressing social questions during the industrial revolution.

In his remarks, Leo referenced Francis’ 2013 mission statement, “The Joy of the Gospel,” as a guiding principle for his papacy. He stressed the importance of the Church’s missionary nature and the need for leadership that is more collegial and responsive to the faithful. Leo received a standing ovation from the audience as he delivered his speech, which he read from a prepared text, occasionally looking up to engage with those present.

Leo was elected as the 267th pontiff on Thursday, following an unusually swift four-ballot conclave that marked a significant moment in Vatican history, being the largest and most diverse conclave to date. Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana of Madagascar noted that Leo received “more” than 100 votes on the final ballot, indicating a significant consensus among the electors.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, expressed his congratulations to Leo, commending his understanding of contemporary issues and his approach to leadership. Parolin emphasized Leo’s ability to navigate complex situations and his deep respect and care for people, which he observed during Leo’s tenure in Chiclayo, Peru, and later at the Vatican.