He said: “Because chatbots are excessively ‘affectionate’, as well as always present and accessible, they can become hidden architects of our emotional states and so invade and occupy our sphere of intimacy.
Pope Leo XIV expressed concern that AI chatbots could mislead users and invade emotional intimacy. Photo / 123rf
“Technology that exploits our need for relationships can lead not only to painful consequences in the lives of individuals, but also to damage in the social, cultural and political fabric of society.”
He warned that replacing real relationships with AI risks trapping users in an echo chamber of their own thoughts and desires.
The pontiff said: “This occurs when we substitute relationships with others for AI systems that catalogue our thoughts, creating a world of mirrors around us, where everything is made ‘in our image and likeness’.”
The Pope also criticised social media companies and their algorithms, which he said are designed to reward instant emotional reactions rather than thoughtful engagement.
He said: “These are profitable for platforms but reward quick emotions and penalise more time-consuming human responses such as the effort required to understand and reflect.
“These algorithms reduce our ability to listen and think critically, and increase social polarisation.”
However, Pope Leo made clear he is not opposed to technological progress itself and urged people to approach AI with caution and discernment.
He said: “We should not stop digital innovation but guide it and be aware of its ambivalent nature.”