Latest news with #LeoXIV
GMA Network
an hour ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Pope Leo warns of AI risks to young brains
Pope Leo XIV leads the Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican, June 15, 2025. REUTERS/ Yara Nardi VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo XIV warned on Friday of the potential consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) on the intellectual development of young people, saying it could damage their grip on reality. Since his election as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, the pope -- a mathematics graduate -- has repeatedly warned of the risks associated with AI but this is the first time he has spoken out exclusively on the subject. "All of us... are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development," the American pope warned in a written message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI. "No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI. "But again, access to data -- however extensive -- must not be confused with intelligence," Leo told business leaders, policymakers and researchers attending the annual conference. While welcoming the use of AI in "enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery", the pope said it "raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions" on humanity's "distinctive ability to grasp and process reality". Pope Leo himself has been the target of deep fake videos and audio messages published on social media in recent weeks. An AFP investigation earlier this month identified dozens of YouTube and TikTok pages broadcasting AI-generated messages masquerading as genuine comments from the pope in English or Spanish. A survey from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism this week found significant numbers of young people in particular were using chatbots to get headlines and updates. The Catholic Church has attempted to influence ethical thinking surrounding the use of new technologies in recent years under Leo's predecessor Francis. In 2020, the Vatican initiated the Rome Call for AI Ethics -- signed by Microsoft, IBM, the United Nations, Italy and a host of universities -- urging transparency and respect for privacy. — Agence France-Presse
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pope warns of AI risks to young brains
Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV warned on Friday of the potential consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) on the intellectual development of young people, saying it could damage their grip on reality. Since his election as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, the pope -- a mathematics graduate -- has repeatedly warned of the risks associated with AI but this is the first time he has spoken out exclusively on the subject. "All of us... are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development," the American pope warned in a written message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI. "No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI. "But again, access to data -- however extensive -- must not be confused with intelligence," Leo told business leaders, policymakers and researchers attending the annual conference. While welcoming the use of AI in "enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery", the pope said it "raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions" on humanity's "distinctive ability to grasp and process reality". Pope Leo himself has been the target of deep fake videos and audio messages published on social media in recent weeks. An AFP investigation earlier this month identified dozens of YouTube and TikTok pages broadcasting AI-generated messages masquerading as genuine comments from the pope in English or Spanish. A survey from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism this week found significant numbers of young people in particular were using chatbots to get headlines and updates. The Catholic Church has attempted to influence ethical thinking surrounding the use of new technologies in recent years under Leo's predecessor Francis. In 2020, the Vatican initiated the Rome Call for AI Ethics -- signed by Microsoft, IBM, the United Nations, Italy and a host of universities -- urging transparency and respect for privacy.
Politico
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Politico
Pope Leo XIV warns of the dangers of AI on youth
Pope Leo XIV criticized the potential negative consequences of growing AI use in a message this week — an emerging through line of his papacy. The message, released by the Vatican this week , was directed to participants of an annual conference on artificial intelligence and its ethics in Rome. Despite noting AI's potential for good, the pope also said there is a possibility for 'misuse for selfish gain' and as a way to 'foment conflict and aggression.' 'All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development. Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility,' the first American pontiff said. The pope's message on AI is part of a growing theme of his pontificate. In his first address to cardinals one month ago, he warned of the dangers of AI to 'human dignity,' POLITICO reported earlier this month. Even his choice of papal name — after Pope Leo XIII, who championed workers rights during the industrial revolution — was 'not a casual reference,' a Vatican spokesperson said shortly after the conclave ended. Leo's stance on AI is similar to that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who warned in 2024 that our societies were experiencing a loss 'of the sense of what is human.' 'Access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence, which necessarily 'involves the person's openness to the ultimate questions of life and reflects an orientation toward the True and the Good,'' Leo said in his message.
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Science
- Irish Independent
Pope Leo flags AI's impact on children's intellectual and spiritual development
©Associated Press Today at 09:19 Pope Leo XIV has warned that artificial intelligence could negatively impact the intellectual, neurological and spiritual development of young people as he pressed one of the priorities of his young pontificate. History's first American pope sent a message to a conference of AI and ethics, part of which was taking place in the Vatican in a sign of the Holy See's concern for the new technologies and what they mean for humanity.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Pope Leo warns AI could disrupt young minds' grip on reality
The pope has called for ethical oversight on AI, especially for the sake of children and adolescents. Pope Leo XIV warned on Friday of the potential consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) on the intellectual development of young people, saying it could damage their grip on reality. Since his election as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, the pope — a mathematics graduate — has repeatedly warned of the risks associated with AI but this is the first time he has spoken out exclusively on the subject. Concerns for children's mental and neurological development 'All of us… are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development,' the American pope warned in a written message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI. 'No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI. 'But again, access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence,' Leo told business leaders, policymakers and researchers attending the annual conference. While welcoming the use of AI in 'enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery', the pope said it 'raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions' on humanity's 'distinctive ability to grasp and process reality'. ALSO READ: Nzimande signs letter of intent in China to boost AI in SA Pope targeted by AI manipulation Pope Leo himself has been the target of deep fake videos and audio messages published on social media in recent weeks. An AFP investigation earlier this month identified dozens of YouTube and TikTok pages broadcasting AI-generated messages masquerading as genuine comments from the pope in English or Spanish. A survey from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism this week found significant numbers of young people in particular were using chatbots to get headlines and updates. The church's broader push for AI ethics The Catholic Church has attempted to influence ethical thinking surrounding the use of new technologies in recent years under Leo's predecessor Francis. In 2020, the Vatican initiated the Rome Call for AI Ethics — signed by Microsoft, IBM, the United Nations, Italy and a host of universities — urging transparency and respect for privacy. NOW READ: Eskom launches AI chatbot 'Alfred' to expedite fault reporting
