Pope Leo XIV has instructed priests not to rely on artificial intelligence to prepare sermons, stating that AI will “never be able” to speak to God or genuinely share faith.
The 70-year-old pontiff made the remarks during a closed-door meeting with clergymen from the Diocese of Rome on Thursday, February 26. After delivering his address, the Pope participated in a question-and-answer session with four priests from different age groups.
Responding to a parish priest’s question about remaining effective in a postmodern culture without reverting to outdated methods, Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance of deeply understanding the communities they serve. Recalling a recent visit to Ostia, a southern neighbourhood of Rome, he emphasised that meaningful preaching begins with knowing people’s lived realities.
Pope Leo XIV urged priests to remain grounded in real-life experiences and cautioned them against what he described as “the temptation to prepare homilies with artificial intelligence.”
“Like all the muscles in the body, if we do not use them, if we do not move them, they die,” he said. “The brain needs to be used, so our intelligence must also be exercised a little so as not to lose this capacity.”
According to the Pope, delivering a true homily involves sharing personal faith — something he insisted AI cannot replicate. “To give a true homily is to share faith,” he said, adding that AI “will never be able to share faith.”
He further encouraged clergy to offer ministry that reflects the cultural and social context of their parishes, noting that people want to see authentic belief and lived experience in their spiritual leaders.
Addressing another question from a young priest about engaging modern youth, Pope Leo XIV urged priests not to focus solely on those already attending church. Instead, he encouraged outreach through initiatives involving sports, art, culture, and personal engagement.
He stressed that meaningful connections are built through genuine friendship, particularly with young people who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness — challenges he said have intensified since the pandemic and with increased smartphone use.
The Pope concluded by urging priests to provide young people with opportunities for authentic human connection, fellowship, and shared experiences, gradually guiding them toward a deeper relationship with Jesus.
