A Warning on the Digital Age

In his first interview since being elected Pope, Leo XIV addressed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, warning of the spiritual and ethical risks connected to rapid technological development. “It will be very difficult to discover the presence of God in artificial intelligence,” he said, revealing that he recently refused a proposal to create a digital avatar of himself. The Holy Father cautioned against the dehumanization of the digital world, stressing that enormous sums of money are being invested in AI while the intrinsic dignity of the human person is often neglected. He reaffirmed that the Church must raise its voice in this debate to protect humanity.

Gratitude to Women Religious

Earlier this week, Pope Leo XIV welcomed Discalced Carmelite nuns from the Holy Land and participants from the general chapters of three women’s congregations. He expressed gratitude to women religious across the globe, acknowledging their silent yet powerful witness in places scarred by hatred and violence. Their mission, he said, is essential for the life of the Church and the world.

A Pro-Life Voice at the United Nations

On the international stage, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, delivered a strong pro-life message at the United Nations in New York. Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women, he emphasized that true promotion of women’s dignity and equality cannot be separated from respect for all human life—from the unborn to the elderly. Gallagher called for better healthcare access and infrastructure, while rejecting abortion as a “false solution.”

Becciu’s Appeal Trial

The Vatican Court of Appeals opened hearings in the case of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the former Substitute for General Affairs at the Secretariat of State. Convicted in December 2023 of embezzlement, aggravated fraud, and abuse of office, Becciu was sentenced to five years and six months in prison following what many have called the Vatican’s “trial of the century.” Six judges are now reviewing his appeal.

Families at the Heart of Society

In another address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of families in both Church and public life. “We can understand the family as both a gift and a task,” he said, urging institutions to strengthen the role of families in social, political, and cultural life. He highlighted the need to foster co-responsibility and encourage families to contribute actively to the common good.

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