STORY: Pope Leo warned politicians on Saturday (June 21) of the challenges posed by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), addressing its potential impact on younger people as a prime concern.

Speaking at an event attended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and parliamentary delegations from 68 countries, Leo revisited a topic that he has raised on a number of occasions during the first few weeks of his papacy.

"In particular, it must not be forgotten that artificial intelligence functions as a tool for the good of human beings, not to diminish them or even to replace them," Leo said at an event held as part of the Roman Catholic Jubilee or Holy Year.

AI proponents say it will speed up scientific and technological progress and help people to carry out routine tasks, granting them more time to pursue higher-value and creative work.

The U.S.-born pontiff said attention was needed to protect "healthy, fair and sound lifestyles, especially for the good of younger generations."

Leo, who became pope in May, has spoken previously of the threat posed by AI to jobs and has called on journalists to use it responsibly.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (JUNE 21, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access All)

1. POPE LEO ARRIVING AT VENUE AND GREETING PEOPLE

2. ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI

3. POPE LEO GREETING MELONI AND OTHERS

4. MEMBER OF AUDIENCE

5. POPE ON STAGE BLESSING AUDIENCE BEFORE BEGINNING SPEECH

6. MELONI, OTHERS WATCHING

7. (SOUNDBITE) (English) POPE LEO SAYING:

"It must not be forgotten that artificial intelligence functions as a tool for the good of human beings - not to diminish them, not to replace them. What is emerging is in fact a significant challenge, one that calls for great attention and foresight in order to project, also in the context of new scenarios, healthy, fair and sound lifestyles, especially for the good of younger generations."

8. MELONI, OTHERS APPLAUDING

9. AUDIENCE

10. POPE LEO SHAKING HANDS WITH MELONI AND OTHERS AFTER WALKING OFF STAGE