Pope Leo XIV has warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) could deepen global divisions and fuel violence, cautioning that the technology is increasingly being used to spread “polarisation, conflict, fear and violence.”
The pontiff gave the warning during a speech at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, Cameroon, as part of his ongoing 11-day apostolic visit to Africa. He stressed that the risks associated with AI go beyond technical errors, noting that the technology could fundamentally alter humanity’s relationship with truth.
“The challenge posed by these systems is greater than it appears,” the pope said, warning that AI could gradually replace reality with simulated content, thereby distorting public perception and amplifying tensions.
His remarks come amid growing global scrutiny over the use of AI in politics and media, including controversies surrounding AI-generated images and misinformation. The pope’s intervention also coincides with heightened debate over the ethical boundaries of emerging technologies.
Beyond the social implications, the pope criticised the environmental impact of the AI boom, particularly the extraction of rare earth minerals required to power data centres and digital infrastructure. He noted that African countries often bear the environmental and human costs of mining activities linked to global technological demand.
Highlighting the situation in resource-rich regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, he pointed to how competition for minerals like cobalt has contributed to prolonged instability and violence.
The pope also called for an end to corruption in Africa’s mining sector, arguing that foreign interests continue to exploit the continent’s natural resources while local populations suffer the consequences.
Despite his caution, the Catholic leader encouraged young Africans not to fear technological innovation but to engage with it responsibly, balancing progress with ethical considerations.
The remarks mark one of the strongest statements yet from the pontiff on artificial intelligence, as he continues to use his Africa tour to address global issues ranging from peace and governance to technology and environmental justice.
