Pope Leo XIV has banned priests from using AI to write sermons, stating it will “never be able” to speak to God.
The Pope made this announcement during a private meeting with clergymen from the Diocese of Rome on Thursday, February 26. After delivering his speech, he joined a Q&A session with four priests of different ages, who were selected to ask questions.
When a parish priest asked how to connect with people in today’s culture without relying on outdated methods, Pope Leo shared his thoughts on AI. He emphasized that the first step is “truly knowing the community where I am called to serve.”
He Urged Them to Connect with People
The Pope Leo reflected on a recent visit to Ostia, a southern neighborhood in Rome, explaining that to truly connect with people, priests must first understand their reality deeply. He urged priests to stay grounded in real-life experiences and warned them about relying on AI for preparing sermons.
He cautioned, “Like all the muscles in the body, if we don’t use them, they die. The brain needs exercise, and so does our intelligence. AI cannot replace the act of sharing faith—it will never be able to share faith.”
Pope Leo stressed that delivering a homily is about sharing personal faith and experiences. He said, “People want to see your faith, your experience of knowing and loving Jesus Christ.”
During the session, a young priest ordained by the Pope last May asked how young clergy can support their peers in today’s world. Pope Leo encouraged priests to reach beyond the youth already attending church and actively seek out others.
“We must organize, think, and create initiatives to reach out,” he said. “Go out into the streets, invite young people, and offer different activities like sports, art, and culture.”
The Pope emphasized the importance of building personal connections, especially with young people who often feel isolated and lonely. He noted that this loneliness has worsened after the pandemic and due to excessive smartphone use.
“They live in a kind of cold, distant world, missing out on the richness of human relationships,” he explained. He urged priests to offer young people a new experience of friendship, sharing, and community. From there, they can gradually invite them to know Jesus.
