Artificial intelligence is changing how people work, and that is bringing the same question back into focus: what happens to human workers when machines can do more of their jobs? Pope Leo XIV believes the answer cannot simply be left to businesses chasing profits or technology companies building increasingly capable AI systems.
The Pope has now warned that AI and unchecked automation could threaten jobs, human dignity and the future of work.In a post on X, Leo said, “The challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence and unregulated automation can put countless jobs at risk and become a real threat to proper integral human development.” He added that “Technology must always be subject to ethics; an algorithm cannot replace human discernment or a worker's value.”Pope says profit cannot come before peopleLeo also took aim at businesses that treat financial returns as the only measure of success. “When economic profit is established as the sole criterion of success, a business becomes dehumanized and turns into a structure of sin that generates exclusion,” he wrote.He called on business leaders to rethink this approach, arguing that investment should protect workers and the environment rather than focus only on financial gains. The Pope said business success should ultimately be measured by its contribution to the common good.
He also warned against calling something progress when it comes at the expense of vulnerable communities or future generations. “True progress is not what increases the wellbeing of some by degrading ecosystems,” he said, adding that shifting costs onto disadvantaged communities or compromising the lives of those who come after us cannot be considered genuine development.This is not the first time Leo has spoken about artificial intelligence. He has repeatedly raised concerns about AI's impact on human dignity, creativity and labour.
Earlier, he urged artists, the Church and cultural institutions to work together to safeguard humanity from AI-generated content, arguing that machines lack the human experience and intention behind genuine artistic expression.The Pope has also called for AI to be “disarmed”, using the strong word to draw attention to the need for ethical safeguards. His latest remarks extend that concern beyond art and creativity to the workplace, where he believes technology must serve people rather than push them aside.- Ends