Pope Leo XIV Rejects AI Papal Avatar: Tech Development Needs Human Connection

Pope Leo XIV has rejected a proposal to create an AI-powered virtual version of himself, which would have allowed Catholics worldwide to have virtual audiences. The Pope expressed concerns that an AI representation would be inappropriate, and voiced worries about AI's potential to cause job displacement and exacerbate social inequality. He stressed that technological advancement must be balanced with faith and humanity, preventing technology from becoming a cold, empty shell that neglects human values. This decision echoes the concerns previously raised by Pope Francis, highlighting the importance of upholding ethics and social fairness in the face of technological progress.