While there was no Pope Leo XIV, Pope Leo XIII and Pope Leo I, also known as St. Leo the Great, addressed issues that resonate with the challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Examining their lives and teachings provides insight into a vision for the papacy in the age of AI.

Pope Leo XIII: Social Justice and the Role of the Church

Pope Leo XIII, in his encyclical Rerum Novarum, addressed the social and economic issues of his time, particularly the conditions of the working class 1. His teachings provide a framework for approaching the ethical considerations of AI:

• Intervention of the Church: Leo XIII asserted the Church's role in addressing societal problems, stating that "no practical solution of this question will be found apart from the intervention of religion and of the Church" 2. In the age of AI, this suggests the Church should actively participate in discussions about the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that human dignity and the common good are prioritized 3 4.
• Rights and Duties: Rerum Novarum emphasizes the importance of defining the "relative rights and mutual duties of the rich and of the poor, of capital and of labor" 1. Similarly, in the context of AI, it is crucial to define the rights and duties of individuals, corporations, and governments in relation to AI technology, addressing issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the impact on employment.
• Moral Qualities and Virtue: Leo XIII highlighted that "the true worth and nobility of man lie in his moral qualities, that is, in virtue" 5. This underscores the need to cultivate virtue and moral reasoning in the development and use of AI, ensuring that AI systems are aligned with ethical principles and promote human flourishing.
• Associations and Collaboration: Leo XIII praised Catholics who worked to improve the conditions of the working class through various undertakings and endeavors 6. This suggests the importance of collaboration and the formation of associations to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, fostering a spirit of equity and justice 6.
• Religion and Morality: Leo XIII emphasized that working men's associations should prioritize the duties of religion and morality 7. In the context of AI, this highlights the need to ground AI development and use in a strong ethical framework, ensuring that AI serves humanity and does not undermine fundamental values.
• Re-establishing Christian Morals: Leo XIII stated that "the main thing needful is to re-establish Christian morals, apart from which all the plans and devices of the wisest will prove of little avail" 8. This underscores the importance of promoting Christian values and ethics in the age of AI, ensuring that technological advancements are guided by principles of love, justice, and compassion.

Pope St. Leo I: Defender of Church Unity and Moral Authority

Pope St. Leo I, also known as Leo the Great, was known for his strong leadership and defense of Church unity during a time of political instability and dogmatic controversies 9 10. His actions and teachings offer insights for the papacy in the age of AI:

• Unity and Truth: Leo I's "chief aim was to sustain the unity of the Church" 9. In the context of AI, this suggests the importance of fostering unity and dialogue among different stakeholders, including scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and religious leaders, to ensure a shared understanding of the ethical implications of AI and to promote responsible innovation.
• Combating Heresies: Leo I actively combated heresies that threatened Church unity 9. Similarly, in the age of AI, the papacy may need to address ideologies or applications of AI that undermine human dignity, promote division, or contradict fundamental truths about the human person.
• Pastoral Care: Leo I was known for his pastoral care of the Universal Church, never neglecting the domestic interests of the Church at Rome 9. This suggests that the papacy should address both the global and local implications of AI, providing guidance and support to individuals and communities as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
• Moral Authority: Leo I's "high moral authority" was evident in his interactions with political leaders and his efforts to protect the city of Rome 9. In the age of AI, the papacy can leverage its moral authority to advocate for ethical AI development and deployment, promoting policies and practices that prioritize human well-being and the common good.
• Theological Contributions: St. Leo I is renowned for his theological contributions, particularly his role in defining the doctrine of the Incarnation 10. In the age of AI, theological reflection is needed to understand the implications of AI for human nature, the image of God, and the relationship between humanity and technology.

The Church and AI Today

The Church continues to address the ethical implications of AI, as reflected in the document Antiqua et Nova, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring that AI is used in a way that preserves human agency, respects human dignity, and promotes the common good 11 3. Pope Francis has called for ethical and responsible technological development that respects the centrality of the human person 12.

Conclusion

While there was no Pope Leo XIV, the teachings and actions of Pope Leo XIII and Pope St. Leo I provide valuable insights for the papacy in the age of AI. A vision for the papacy in this era involves actively participating in ethical discussions, promoting human dignity and the common good, fostering unity and dialogue, exercising moral authority, and grounding AI development and use in a strong ethical and theological framework.