Pope Leo Xiv Denounces Ai Clone Plan, Warns Of Automation'S Perils

Pope Leo XIV Rejects AI Clone Proposal

Pope Leo XIV has firmly turned down a proposal to create an artificial intelligence (AI) version of himself for virtual audiences, sparking a conversation about technology's role in society. The pontiff shared his concerns on July 30 at his Vatican residence, emphasizing the threat AI poses to jobs and human dignity.

The American-born pope revealed that someone had approached him with the idea of an AI-powered pope capable of answering questions online. In an interview published September 18 with Crux senior correspondent Elise Allen, Leo stated, "I’m not going to authorize that. If there’s anybody who should not be represented by an avatar, I would say the Pope is high on the list."

The Industrial Revolution Parallel

Pope Leo XIV draws a stark parallel between today's AI advancements and the Industrial Revolution's impact on traditional work. His choice of papal name was influenced by Leo XIII, who addressed labor rights in the 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum amid a massive shift towards factory production.

“If we automate the whole world and only a few people have the means with which to more than just survive, but to live well, have meaningful lives, there’s a big problem, a huge problem coming down the line,” Leo emphasized.

For the pope, work is not just about economic survival but also about maintaining human dignity. He believes that human life gains meaning through tangible efforts and relationships that machines cannot replicate.

AI in Religion: A Double-Edged Sword

Leo XIV's concerns come at a time when AI-fueled religious apps are gaining traction, offering users convenient—but potentially misleading—spiritual guidance. These apps, often storing personal data on corporate servers, sometimes charge steep fees for premium features.

Despite these reservations, the pope acknowledges the potential benefits of AI in fields like medicine. He stresses that the church doesn't stand against technological progress but insists on balancing faith and science.

Public Reactions and Wider Implications

The pope's remarks have stirred public debate, notably catching the attention of tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk responded via the social media platform X by quoting Matthew 7:3-5, reflecting on the pope's critique of wealth concentration in AI development.

Pope Leo's insights are further elaborated in his biography, "Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the XXI Century," which includes his full interview with Allen. His comments remind the world of the importance of human intimacy and ethical considerations in the face of rapid technological change.