Do not use AI to write sermons delivered in churches ! : Pope Leo

Machines can never provide ‘true faith’, he says

Rome (Italy) – Pope Leo XIV, the supreme religious head of Catholics, has given a clear and stern message to priests, stating that they should not rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prepare sermons delivered in churches. While interacting with priests in Rome on 19 February, he said that writing a sermon is not merely about arranging words but about sharing one’s own faith and life experiences with people – something that no machine can do.

Pope Leo told the priests that writing sermons with the help of AI is a “shortcut”. Such a shortcut can weaken the spiritual discipline of priests. A true sermon emerges from the struggles in a priest’s life and his devotion to God. A computer can merely arrange words but cannot experience them.

The Pope clarified that he is not opposed to new technology. The Vatican has adopted an AI system that translates religious texts into 60 languages. However, while machines can translate a message, the responsibility of shaping that message and explaining its deeper meaning must remain with humans.

Advises priests to remain cautious about popularity on social media

The Pope also expressed concern over the growing attraction among priests towards social media. He said that online popularity or the number of ‘likes’ should not be considered a measure of spiritual success.