In his message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, to be celebrated on May 17, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed the rapid expansion of digital technology and artificial intelligence, calling for renewed attention to human dignity in an increasingly automated world. He emphasized that technological progress needed to remain ordered to the good of the human person rather than reshaping humanity according to technological limits.

The Pope grounded his message in a Christian understanding of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God. Human communication, expressed through face and voice, was presented as a reflection of identity, relationship, and presence. These were not replaceable functions but essential dimensions of what it meant to be human. Protecting them, Pope Leo explained, was a way of safeguarding the divine imprint within each person and affirming the unique vocation of every human life.

Building on this foundation, the Pope examined the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence, particularly technologies able to replicate voices, facial expressions, and emotional responses. While acknowledging their usefulness, he warned that such tools risked weakening authentic communication if they blurred the distinction between genuine human interaction and artificial simulation. The challenge posed by these developments, he noted, was fundamentally anthropological, shaping how people understood themselves and related to others.

Pope Leo also reflected on the cultural effects of algorithm-driven communication. He observed that digital platforms often rewarded speed, emotional reaction, and constant engagement, leaving little room for reflection or critical judgment. This environment, he cautioned, could foster polarization and discourage thoughtful dialogue. At the same time, increased reliance on artificial intelligence for creativity, information, and decision-making risked eroding personal responsibility and diminishing the exercise of human discernment.

Another concern raised in the message was the growing difficulty of distinguishing reality from fabrication in digital spaces. Automated systems and conversational technologies, the Pope noted, were capable of shaping opinions and influencing public debate, with consequences that extended beyond individuals to social and cultural life as a whole.

In response to these challenges, Pope Leo called for shared responsibility among technology developers, public authorities, media professionals, and educators. He stressed the need for transparency, ethical oversight, and cooperation to ensure that innovation served the common good. Education, especially in media, information, and artificial intelligence literacy, was presented as essential for helping people engage critically and responsibly with digital tools.

Pope Leo concluded by reaffirming that care for the human face and voice remained central to authentic communication. When technology respected human dignity, he said, it could serve genuine relationships rather than diminish them.