Pope Leo XIV shared that his choice of papal name was partly shaped by the growing influence and complex challenges posed by artificial intelligence in today’s world.
In his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals on Saturday, the newly elected pontiff explained that he selected the name “Leo” in tribute to Pope Leo XIII, who led the Catholic Church from 1878 until 1903. Pope Leo XIII was noted for his deep engagement with social issues and his advocacy for workers’ rights during a period of global transformation following the Industrial Revolution.
While Pope Leo XIV acknowledged multiple inspirations for his name, he singled out Leo XIII’s landmark 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum—which translates to “Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor”—as a central reason. This foundational text in Catholic social teaching called for urgent remedies to alleviate the unjust suffering endured by much of the working class.
“In our own time, the Church presents the richness of her social doctrine in response to yet another industrial revolution—this time driven by artificial intelligence—which brings fresh challenges in the defense of human dignity, fairness, and the dignity of labor,” said Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, during his speech, according to an official transcript.
As with the first Industrial Revolution, today’s rapid advancements in generative AI have already begun reshaping economies and societies, sparking widespread concern about their effects on employment, intellectual property, and truth itself. With few regulations currently in place worldwide, AI has enabled the spread of misinformation, often by manipulating human likenesses, and raised ethical debates over ownership and automation.
One early example of AI’s disruptive power came in 2023, when a fabricated image of Pope Francis wearing a fashion-forward puffer jacket went viral, drawing attention to the potential for AI-generated media to mislead. In response, Pope Francis issued a cautionary statement highlighting the dangers of AI-fueled falsehoods, echo chambers, and emerging inequalities based on information access.
Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born in the United States, made clear in his remarks that he intends to build on the legacy of Pope Francis, particularly his dedication to social justice.
“We have seen this modeled by many of my predecessors, most recently in Pope Francis—through his life of humble service, unwavering faith in God, and peaceful acceptance at life’s end,” Leo XIV said. “Let us carry forward this sacred inheritance, continuing our path with the same hope rooted in faith.”
