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Pope Leo XIV gave a speech at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Cameroon in which he warned about the social and environmental costs of the global digital boom.
The Pontiff argued that artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to fuel social polarisation, fear, and conflict.
He expressed concern that these technologies are not merely tools, but systems capable of replacing reality with simulations, ultimately damaging humanity’s fundamental relationship with the truth.
The Pope also used his platform to highlight the “environmental and social devastation” linked to the extraction of rare earth minerals, such as cobalt, which are essential for powering AI data servers.
He pointed out that while global powers and tech industries reap the financial rewards, African nations often endure the brunt of the ecological damage and human suffering.
Specifically, he noted how the competition for minerals in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo has exacerbated decades of violent conflict and corruption.
This intervention is part of a broader, more outspoken tour of the continent, where the Pope has consistently called for global peace and criticised the exploitative nature of the mining industry.
His comments come amid a public rift with U.S. President Donald Trump, following disagreements over Middle East policy and the president’s own use of AI-generated imagery.
Despite his warnings, Leo XIV encouraged young African Catholics not to fear innovation, provided it is balanced with a commitment to justice and the protection of the planet.
