Pope Leo XIV: “The Church must face the Digital Revolution With Faith and Courage”

New Pope’s First Speech Calls for Action on AI and Social Justice. In his first speech as the new head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV urged the Church to respond to the rise of Artificial Intelligence and today’s “new industrial revolution,” just as it once responded to major social changes in the past. Speaking to the College of Cardinals in the Vatican, Pope Leo said he chose his name to honor both Pope Leo XIII and Pope Francis. “Pope Leo XIII, with the historic Encyclical Rerum novarum, addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution,” he said.

New Pope’s First Speech Calls for Action on AI and Social Justice. In his first speech as the new head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV urged the Church to respond to the rise of Artificial Intelligence and today’s “new industrial revolution,” just as it once responded to major social changes in the past. Speaking to the College of Cardinals in the Vatican, Pope Leo said he chose his name to honor both Pope Leo XIII and Pope Francis. “Pope Leo XIII, with the historic Encyclical Rerum novarum, addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution,” he said. “Today, the Church offers to all his treasure of social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and the developments of artificial intelligence", according to Vatican News. Pope Leo XIV called for the Church to be a voice for the poor and vulnerable in a world rapidly shaped by technology. “A name, then, not only rooted in tradition,” he explained, “but one that looks firmly ahead to the challenges of a rapidly changing world.” He also spoke of the deep sorrow following the death of Pope Francis,calling it a “paschal event”, a time of sadness, but also of faith and hope. “Let us treasure this precious legacy and resume our journey,” he said, remembering Francis' “simplicity, his radical dedication to service, and his peaceful return to the Father’s House.” In his moving address, Pope Leo reminded the Cardinals and the world that God's presence is found not in dramatic events but in quiet moments. “Not in the roar of thunder and earthquake,” he said, “but in the whisper of a gentle breeze.” He described the Church as both “womb and flock as field and temple,” praising the unity of the faithful during the days of mourning for Pope Francis. “This revealed the true greatness of the Church,” he said. Pope Leo XIV also reaffirmed the direction set by the Second Vatican Council and continued by Pope Francis. He highlighted key themes from Evangelii gaudium, a document that stressed joy, care for the poor, listening to the people of faith, and engaging bravely with the modern world. “These are Gospel principles,” he said, “through which the merciful face of the Father has been revealed and continues to be revealed in the Son made man.” As he ended his speech, Pope Leo called for action, unity, and prayer: “Let us walk this path with prayer and commitment.” He quoted Pope Paul VI, praying that “a great flame of faith and love” may once again light up the world. Pope Leo XIV’s message is clear; in an age of digital transformation, the Church must not stand still, it must speak, serve, and lead with courage and compassion.