Image Credit: Antonelli Vatican Pool/Corbis via Getty Images | Found In: AXIOS
On Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, Pope Leo XIV spoke out against AI-generated art. In his X post, he argued that human art is different from art produced by machines, which lack the human qualities behind genuine creativity.
According to TechCrunch, the pope explained that there is a fundamental difference between human-made art and art created by AI. He argued that AI produces images through calculations based on existing human-made images, while human artists bring their own creativity and humanity to their work.
The pope had already discussed AI in his May 2026 encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. In this letter, he said that AI should be guided by human intelligence, conscience and freedom rather than being allowed to control important decisions.
According to a report by Vatican News, “The Pope urges clarity about responsibilities and accountability at every stage of the development process, focusing on adequate AI policies and legal frameworks, independent oversight, and user education.”
Pope Leo’s concern about AI was not just about art, but also that new technology should remain under human responsibility and should benefit everyone rather than concentrate power among a select few.