On the occasion of the 60th World Communications Day, celebrated on May 17, 2026, the Feast of the Ascension, Pope Leo XIV delivered a rich and thought-provoking message addressing the challenges raised by the revolution in artificial intelligence.
In his message entitled “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” the Holy Father reminds us that the face and the voice lie at the heart of each person’s identity. Given by God, they express our vocation to relationship, responsibility, and communion. Faced with technologies capable of simulating speech, emotions, and even relationships, the Pope warns of a possible erosion of the very foundations of human civilization.
At the heart of his message are concerns about:
- the weakening of critical thinking and listening skills;
- the risks of emotional manipulation and social polarization;
- the erosion of human creativity and genius;
- the growing confusion between reality and simulation;
- and the dangers linked to algorithmic bias, misinformation, and data control.
In response to these challenges, Pope Leo XIV does not call for a rejection of technology, but rather for shared responsibility, grounded in three essential pillars: transparency, cooperation, and education. He places particular emphasis on the urgent need for digital and media literacy, accessible to all—young people, seniors, and vulnerable individuals alike—in order to form free, critical, and informed citizens.
Finally, the Pope invites everyone to protect what lies at the heart of our humanity: the face, the voice, relationships, and creativity. He reminds us that the digital revolution, like the industrial revolution before it, requires solid formation—both technological and deeply humanistic.