Sat May 10 14:34:01 UTC 2025: ## New Pope Leo XIV Vows to Continue Francis’ Legacy, Highlights AI as Key Challenge

**Vatican City** – Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has begun his papacy by emphasizing the crucial role of addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). In his first address to the College of Cardinals on Saturday, he pledged to continue the “precious legacy” of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, whose concerns about AI he echoed.

Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, highlighted AI’s potential threats to human dignity, justice, and labor, mirroring Pope Francis’ warnings about the dehumanizing effects of algorithms and the need for international regulation. He explicitly chose the name Leo in homage to Pope Leo XIII, who championed workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution, framing the current AI revolution as a similarly demanding social issue requiring a strong moral response.

The new pontiff’s address included repeated expressions of mourning for Pope Francis and a clear intention to uphold his vision for the Church. Later, in a surprise visit to the Madre del Buon Consiglio sanctuary south of Rome, Leo interacted with the public, solidifying his image as a relatively approachable figure.

While Leo was a relatively unknown figure before his election, his selection has not been without its implications. The ongoing dialogue between the Vatican and China regarding the appointment of bishops was mentioned by Czech Cardinal Dominik Duka as a topic of discussion among the cardinals. Duka defended the controversial 2018 agreement, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining communication in areas where the Church faces oppression. Pope Francis’ papacy, marked by twelve years of leadership, often faced criticism from conservative cardinals for his more inclusive stances on issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion and women’s roles within the Church. Leo’s approach to these issues remains to be seen.

Read More