Pope Leo XIV Advises Students Against Relying on Artificial Intelligence for Academic Assistance
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During a virtual appearance at the National Catholic Youth Conference, Pope Leo XIV shared some valuable guidance with students on November 21, 2025. The head of the Catholic Church addressed young individuals and emphasised the limitations of artificial intelligence (AI). He cautioned attendees against tasking AI with completing their homework, highlighting that while AI can process information swiftly, it cannot substitute human intelligence or provide genuine wisdom.
In his address via a video link, Pope Leo XIV, aged 70, underlined the crucial human element that AI lacks. He stressed that AI is incapable of making moral judgments between right and wrong, nor can it marvel at the beauty of God’s creation authentically. The pope remarked that AI is progressively becoming a defining feature of the current era and stressed that, ultimately, individuals are responsible for their choices and actions.
Encouraging students to cultivate critical thinking skills, Pope Leo XIV urged them to delve into reality, pursue truth, beauty, and goodness. He advised using AI responsibly to aid personal growth rather than detract from one’s dignity or spiritual journey. The pope’s message resonated with the importance of maintaining independence and creativity, regardless of technological advancements.
Echoing the significance of personal development and spiritual growth, Pope Leo XIV urged young individuals to use AI as a tool to enhance their abilities, empowering them to think, create, and act autonomously. He underscored the uniqueness each individual brings to the world, asserting that AI can never supplant the distinctive contributions of human beings.
During a lively Q&A session moderated by speaker and radio host Katie Prejean McGrady, students engaged with Pope Leo XIV on various topics, including his choice of starting word for the popular game Wordle. The pope, displaying a sense of humour, disclosed that he uses a different word daily and jestingly remarked, “I only wear white socks,” eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Earlier in the month, Pope Leo XIV commended participants at the Builders AI Forum 2025 in Rome for prioritising the preservation of human dignity and the common good while developing emerging technologies. His consistent message underscores the importance of ethical and mindful application of AI in modern society, encouraging individuals to harness technology responsibly.
As an advocate for integrity and personal growth, Pope Leo XIV’s counsel serves as a reminder for students to leverage AI as a tool for learning and advancement, while also maintaining their individuality and personal values. His words resonate as a call to embrace technology without compromising essential human qualities and responsibilities.