Pope Leo XIV Criticizes Priests for Relying on AI for Sermon Writing: “The Brain Must Be Used”
Addressing the clergy within the Paul VI Hall, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that sermons crafted by artificial intelligence do not represent the future of the Church.
As reported by the Irish Star, Leo warned during a private meeting with priests from the Diocese of Rome on Thursday about the risks of relying on AI tools for homilies. “To deliver a genuine homily is to convey faith,” he stated, emphasizing that artificial intelligence “will never possess the ability to share faith.”
He encouraged priests to avoid what he referred to as “the temptation to create homilies using Artificial Intelligence.” He then issued a caution regarding intellectual laziness: “Similar to all the muscles in the body, if we do not engage them, if we do not activate them, they wither away.” “The brain requires engagement, and therefore, our intelligence should be stimulated to maintain this ability.”
Leo also discussed the allure of social media. He stated that pursuing “illusion on the internet, on TikTok” cannot substitute for genuine spiritual connection.
The comments are made as the Vatican introduces an AI-driven translation system that can translate liturgical celebrations in St. Peter’s Basilica into multiple languages instantly. While the Church adopts various technologies, Leo firmly opposed substituting the pastoral voice with software.
He reaffirmed his commitment to lifelong learning, reminiscing about a priest who once said to him, “I have not opened a book since I left the seminary.” Leo’s reply was straightforward: “My goodness, I thought, how sad!”
For Leo, faith necessitates exploration, contemplation, and a personal connection. It is not an algorithm.
