*Pope Leo XIV Highlights Ethical Concerns of AI and Its Impact on Youth* At a recent Vatican-hosted conference on artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over AI’s potential effects on the intellectual and neurological development of children and young people. He warned that abundant access to information via AI must not be mistaken for understanding or wisdom, which involves discerning life’s true meaning. The Pope emphasized that youth must be guided responsibly so they can develop their God-given talents and mature ethically. He also stressed the ethical dimension of AI, noting the technology can be misused for selfish or harmful purposes, including inciting conflict. While acknowledging AI’s potential to promote equality—especially in science and healthcare—he urged that its evaluation be based on the holistic development of individuals and communities. Echoing past papal concerns, Leo XIV cautioned against society’s growing insensitivity to human dignity in the face of rapid technological change. The Church, he affirmed, plays a vital role in shaping AI’s governance with a view toward spiritual, intellectual, and cultural integrity. He concluded by calling for intergenerational dialogue that would help youth integrate truth into their moral lives.