Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholic priests not to rely on artificial intelligence (AI) when preparing their sermons, saying preaching should come from personal faith and real-life experience.
Speaking to church leaders, he called AI a temptation to avoid.
“Like all the muscles in the body, if we do not use them, if we do not move them, they die. The brain needs to be used, so our intelligence must also be exercised a little so as not to lose this capacity,” Pope Leo said.
“To give a true homily is to share faith, and artificial intelligence will never be able to share faith,” he added, stressing that a sermon is about more than reading a script—it is about creating a human connection through one’s own beliefs and heart.
Since becoming Pope, Leo has shown concern for how technology affects people’s work and sense of value.
He chose the name Leo to honour Pope Leo XIII, known for advocating workers’ rights during early industrialisation, signalling his desire to protect workers amid technological change.
“If we can offer a service that is inculturated in the place, in the parish where we are working. People want to see your faith, your experience of having known and loved Jesus Christ,” he told priests of the Diocese of Rome, according to the National Catholic Reporter.
He also warned clergy about internet “traps” and apps like TikTok, cautioning that online metrics such as likes and followers are no substitute for genuine spiritual work.
“It is not you: if we are not transmitting the message of Jesus Christ, perhaps we are mistaken, and we must reflect very carefully and humbly about who we are and what we are doing,” he said.
The Pope’s stance has sparked debate online.
On Instagram, Leo Bob commented, “I agree that a homily must come from the priest’s own prayer, faith, and lived experience. That can never be replaced. But AI can assist with research, examples, structure, and language so the message connects better with people.”