Pope Leo XIV recently warned that AI chatbots and virtual influencers could potentially take the place of genuine human connections if people aren’t mindful of how they use this technology. He expressed these concerns in a detailed essay on the topic.
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common. You can find it in the social media apps we use, the software at work, and even in the ads we see while out and about.
Chatbots are now everywhere, functioning as either super-focused search tools or simply as someone to talk to. Some people are even developing strong emotional connections with them – there have been reports of a man proposing to an AI, even though he was already in a relationship, and a woman becoming ‘engaged’ to an AI character she designed using ChatGPT.
AI is now so common that even Pope Leo XIV addressed its potential downsides, cautioning that it could harm personal connections, our ability to think for ourselves, and overall well-being.
Pope Leo XIV warns of ‘virtual influencers’ damaging relationships
To mark the 60th World Day of Social Communications, the Pope wrote a letter warning that artificial intelligence could significantly change some of the core aspects of human society that we often assume will always exist.
He criticized the tendency to blindly trust artificial intelligence, calling it a dangerously naive reliance on AI as an all-knowing companion. He cautioned that depending on AI to do our thinking for us could severely damage our ability to communicate with others and think critically.
He explained that these factors could weaken our skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and truly understanding the meaning of things, including how language works.
In his recent letter, the Pope mentioned ‘virtual influencers,’ pointing out that the lifelike conversations possible with chatbots can be misleading, particularly for those most at risk.
These language models are designed to respond in a way that feels human, adapting to conversations and even mimicking emotions, which can create the illusion of a real connection. Because chatbots often express a lot of warmth and are constantly available, they have the potential to subtly shape our feelings and even take over parts of our personal lives, impacting our emotional well-being and sense of intimacy.
As a gamer, I’ve seen firsthand how easily we can get sucked into online worlds and connections. It’s kinda scary to think about how tech designed to make us feel connected can actually end up hurting us, not just personally, but also messing with how we interact as a society, our culture, and even politics. It’s like, these platforms tap into our basic need for relationships, and if they’re not handled right, things can really fall apart.
We must prioritize genuine human connection – seeing and hearing each other – to truly understand one another. Let’s protect the power of communication as the most fundamental part of being human, and make sure all new technologies support it, rather than hinder it.
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) January 24, 2026
Pope Leo didn’t condemn artificial intelligence, but he did warn about the dangers of becoming too dependent on it. He stressed the importance of media literacy and understanding AI, especially to prevent it from distorting our view of reality. He specifically addressed the issue of deepfakes, advising people to safeguard their personal image and be cautious of how these tools can invade privacy and violate personal boundaries without permission.
He finished by saying we need to remember the importance of human connection – seeing and hearing from real people. He believes that communication is at the heart of what makes us human, and that technology should ultimately serve to strengthen that connection.
Pope Leo XIV was considered a progressive leader who connected with contemporary culture. In 2025, he canonized the first millennial saint, playfully calling him ‘God’s Influencer’ because of his success in sharing the Catholic faith online. Later that same year, he spoke at the start of a rave celebrating an archbishop’s birthday, an event that even featured a priest as the DJ.
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2026-01-27 01:20