Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholic technologists and innovators to leverage the rising power of artificial intelligence to support the Church’s mission of evangelization, addressing both opportunities and pastoral challenges as the Catholic community aims to connect with a digital generation.
Pope’s Address at Builders AI Forum in Rome
During the Builders AI Forum at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Pope Leo XIV delivered a message to Catholic engineers, entrepreneurs, and digital creators. He encouraged innovators to develop technologies that do more than just inform but guide people toward deeper experiences of faith, pastoral support, and Christian community. The Pope’s remarks recognized the significant influence of popular Catholic apps like Hallow and Magisterium AI in introducing audiences worldwide to core teachings and spiritual practices.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the dual responsibility of technologists: to advance technological innovation and to ensure these tools operate within strong ethical frameworks guided by human dignity. He noted that while AI-powered platforms can teach scriptural knowledge and make Catholic tradition more accessible, the church must also address the risk of digital isolation among new believers. He urged deliberate efforts to “off-ramp” digital users into actual parish life, helping them discover worshiping communities and personal guidance.
Workshops and Innovative Initiatives
A significant portion of the conference focused on practical workshops exploring the use of AI not only for catechesis but for creative Christian storytelling and compassionate health care delivery. Developers debated how to design digital pathways that transition users from virtual encounters with the faith to in-person religious experiences reflecting the Catholic Church’s diversity, from Eucharistic adoration to charismatic and traditional Latin Masses.