This step comes ahead of the first encyclical, or pastoral letter, of Pope Leo, which is expected to prioritize an ethical approach to artificial intelligence.
On Saturday, the Vatican announced that the pontiff decided to create a commission because of the growing use of artificial intelligence, “its potential effects on human beings and on humanity as a whole (and – ed.) the church”s concern for the dignity of every human being.”
Announcement came the day after Pope Leo signed his encyclical, a letter written by the pontiff and sent to bishops with instructions or guidance on moral issues.
His new encyclical, expected to be published in the coming weeks, is expected to address the issue of artificial intelligence within the framework of the church’s social teaching, which also covers issues such as labor, justice, and peace.
This is not the first time Pope Leo has intervened in the issue of artificial intelligence. Just days after his election in May 2025, he told cardinals that the Catholic Church has to offer the world “treasury of its social teaching” to confront challenges posed by AI regarding “human dignity, justice and labor.”
In June last year, Pope criticized the potential negative consequences of the growing use of artificial intelligence. Noting the potential of artificial intelligence for good, the pontiff said there is a possibility of its “misuse for selfish gain” and as a way to “foment conflict and aggression.”
“All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development. Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility,” the head of the Catholic Church said.
Earlier, Pope Leo called on Moscow to stop striking Ukrainian infrastructure, after which the Vatican sent humanitarian aid to Kyiv.
Recent disputes between the pontiff and US President Donald Trump also began amid Vatican criticism of the war in Iran.