Pope Leo on Sunday (May 17) during his weekly prayer from the window of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace appealed for the usage of AI in a way that respects the 'truth of humankind'.

He further said that all technological innovation should be 'directed' towards this value system.

The first U.S. pontiff, in the context of talking about the Catholic 'Laudato Si' movement which promotes ecological conversion, also mentioned the importance of committing to preserving the environment and decried how "progress in this area has been greatly slowed down" due to recent wars.

Pope Leo, whom this month marked a year leading the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church on May 8, has been ramping up his schedule and speaking up more forcefully against global conflicts, attracting the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after criticizing the Iran war.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VATICAN CITY (MAY 17, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. CROWD WAITING FOR PRAYER TO BEGIN

2. PEOPLE CHEERING AND WAVING FLAGS

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"Today marks World Communications Day in many countries, and this year, I have chosen to dedicate it to the topic 'Preserving human voices and faces'. In this age of artificial intelligence, I encourage everyone to commit to promoting forms of communication that always respect the truth of humankind, towards which every technological innovation should be directed."

4. PEOPLE FILMING WITH THEIR PHONES

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"In this jubilee year of Saint Francis of Assisi, we recall his message of peace with God, with our brothers and sisters, and with all of creation. Unfortunately, in recent years, due to wars, progress in this area has been greatly slowed down. I therefore encourage the members of the 'Laudato Si’' movement and all those working for an integral ecology to renew their commitment to peace and care for life."

6. CROWD LISTENING AND CHEERING

7. DOME OF ST PETER'S