Pope Leo warns AI could become a new form of ‘economic colonialism’

Pope Leo XIV spoke at the International Catholic Legislators Network's annual conference.

Vatican Pool/Getty Images Pope Leo XIV addressed Christian lawmakers at a conference in Rome on Friday.

He expressed concern over how AI could disrupt families and cause "economic colonialism." AI has remained a focal point for Pope Leo XIV throughout his papacy.

Pope Leo XIV has a simple request for lawmakers tasked with shaping AI policy: put humans first.

The pontiff encouraged them to implement laws that uplift their constituents at the International Catholic Legislators Network's annual conference in Rome on Friday.

During his speech, Pope Leo cautioned lawmakers that putting tech over people could have dire consequences.

"At the same time, the rapid development of artificial intelligence risks creating new forms of technological dependence, with poorer nations increasingly reliant on wealthier ones," he said.

"We must remain vigilant in this regard, lest innovation become another vehicle for ideological or economic colonialism." The pope told lawmakers that social media algorithms already constitute a form of domination.

The world does not need an artificial intelligence that diminishes humanity; rather, it needs human intelligence enlightened by wisdom, political authority guided by conscience and technological innovation directed by charity.

Only then will artificial intelligence become not a… — Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) August 21, 2026 "Sadly, we are presented with a subtle form of domination when algorithms decide who is seen, who remains invisible, when digital platforms shape public discourse without accountability, and when the dignity of workers is subordinated to the optimization of systems," he said.

Pope Leo also expressed concern that AI could undermine families and their place in society.

"For it is within the family that we first learn trust before calculation, generosity before competition, dialogue before division, and love before power," he said.

"Artificial intelligence must never be allowed to erode this primary cell of society — whether by reducing persons and relationships to data and simulations, by flooding young minds with content that distorts desire, or by economic models that make family life economically precarious." He asked that the lawmakers promote policies that "strengthen marriage and families, support parents in their educational mission and enable young people to look to the future with confidence." Pope Leo has made AI a central debate since the early days of his papacy.