Pope Leo XIV bans priests from using AI to write sermons, stressing human connection and spiritual authenticity.

Pope Leo XIV has prohibited Catholic priests from using artificial intelligence to write sermons, emphasizing that authentic faith requires human experience, personal connection, and spiritual engagement. Speaking to clergy in Rome, the 70-year-old pontiff warned that overreliance on AI risks weakening critical thinking and emotional depth, comparing the mind to a muscle that atrophies without use. He stressed that true preaching stems from genuine relationship with God and parishioners, urging priests to deepen community ties through direct involvement in daily life. The ban reflects broader concerns about technology’s impact on spirituality, especially amid rising youth loneliness and challenges like substance abuse. While the Vatican continues to use AI for translation in liturgical broadcasts, the Pope maintains a firm boundary on its role in religious content.