- Feb 5, 2002
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Pope Leo XIV recently issued a stark warning that deserves far more attention than it received. Speaking at a conference on AI and ethics, the pontiff warned that artificial intelligence could disrupt the cognitive, emotional and moral growth of young people. Then, without elaboration, he moved on, leaving the audience to quietly wrestle with the weight of what had just been said.
This restraint is quintessentially papal – diplomatically measured, carefully worded and devastatingly understated. When the leader of 1.3 billion Catholics expresses concern about something affecting children, the reality is invariably worse than his measured language suggests.
The Pope offered no specifics, perhaps wisely avoiding the role of technology critic. But someone needs to connect the dots he left unconnected. Someone needs to explain exactly how AI is reshaping young minds and why we should be deeply concerned.
Silicon Valley has perfected the art of capturing human attention with scientific precision. AI algorithms study user behaviour patterns, dopamine response triggers and neural reward systems to create what researchers euphemistically call “engagement optimisation.” A more honest term might be “addiction engineering.”
Continued below.
thecatholicherald.com
This restraint is quintessentially papal – diplomatically measured, carefully worded and devastatingly understated. When the leader of 1.3 billion Catholics expresses concern about something affecting children, the reality is invariably worse than his measured language suggests.
The Pope offered no specifics, perhaps wisely avoiding the role of technology critic. But someone needs to connect the dots he left unconnected. Someone needs to explain exactly how AI is reshaping young minds and why we should be deeply concerned.
Silicon Valley has perfected the art of capturing human attention with scientific precision. AI algorithms study user behaviour patterns, dopamine response triggers and neural reward systems to create what researchers euphemistically call “engagement optimisation.” A more honest term might be “addiction engineering.”
Continued below.

Spiritual starvation in the age of AI - Catholic Herald
Pope Leo XIV recently issued a stark warning that deserves far more attention than it received. Speaking at a conference on AI and ethics, the pontiff warned that artificial intelligence could disrupt the cognitive, emotional and moral growth of young people. Then, without elaboration, he moved...
