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MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV,
SIGNED BY THE CARDINAL SECRETARY OF STATE PIETRO PAROLIN,
ON THE OCCASION OF THE AI FOR GOOD SUMMIT 2025
[Geneva, 10 July 2025]
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On behalf of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, I would like to extend my cordial
greetings to all participants in the AI for Good Summit 2025, organized
by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with
other UN agencies and co-hosted by the Swiss Government. As this summit
coincides with the 160th anniversary of the ITU’s foundation, I would
like to congratulate all the Members and staff for their work and constant
efforts to foster global cooperation in order to bring the benefits of
communication technologies to the people across the globe. Connecting the human
family through telegraph, radio, telephone, digital and space communications
presents challenges, particularly in rural and low-income areas, where
approximately 2.6 billion persons still lack access to communication
technologies.
Humanity is at a crossroads, facing the immense potential generated by the
digital revolution driven by Artificial Intelligence. The impact of this
revolution is far-reaching, transforming areas such as education, work, art,
healthcare, governance, the military, and communication. This epochal
transformation requires responsibility and discernment to ensure that AI is
developed and utilized for the common good, building bridges of dialogue and
fostering fraternity, and ensuring it serves the interests of humanity as a
whole.
As AI becomes capable of adapting autonomously to many situations by making
purely technical algorithmic choices, it is crucial to consider its
anthropological and ethical implications, the values at stake and the duties and
regulatory frameworks required to uphold those values. In fact, while AI can
simulate aspects of human reasoning and perform specific tasks with incredible
speed and efficiency, it cannot replicate moral discernment or the ability to
form genuine relationships. Therefore, the development of such technological
advancements must go hand in hand with respect for human and social values, the
capacity to judge with a clear conscience, and growth in human responsibility.
It is no coincidence that this era of profound innovation has prompted many to
reflect on what it means to be human, and on humanity’s role in the world.
Although responsibility for the ethical use of AI systems begins with those
who develop, manage and oversee them, those who use them also share in this
responsibility. AI therefore requires proper ethical management and regulatory
frameworks centered on the human person, and which goes beyond the mere criteria
of utility or efficiency. Ultimately, we must never lose sight of the common
goal of contributing to that “tranquillitas ordinis – the tranquility of
order”, as Saint Augustine called it (De Civitate Dei) and fostering a
more humane order of social relations, and peaceful and just societies in the
service of integral human development and the good of the human family.
On behalf of Pope Leo XIV, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage
you to seek ethical clarity and to establish a coordinated local and
global governance of AI, based on the shared recognition of the inherent dignity
and fundamental freedoms of the human person. The Holy Father willingly assures
you of his prayers in your efforts towards the common good.
Card. Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness
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