AI, Children, and the Crisis of Consent: Pope Leo XIV Demands Global Accountability
In the Vatican City, at the Apostolic Chancery, “The Dignity of Children and Adolescents in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” was held on 12 November 2025. Telefono Azzurro and Fondazione Child organised the event.
In this meeting, neuroscientists and AI ethicists joined from all around the world. Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Paroline were the chief participants in the event.
Megan Garcia, whose 18-year-old child committed suicide because of an AI chatbot, was there. She shared her testimony about the effects of AI on teenagers. The primary purpose of this gathering was to address why minor falls in the trap with AI chatbots and how they affect their dignity.
They discussed AI development standards, autonomy, entertainment limits, and digital safety concerns. In the event, Pop stated that “All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development.”
Pope Leo XIV: AI Algorithms Manipulate Young Minds Without Consent
The pop warns that generative AI is changing young minds. It offers just human-like interaction, depending on the child’s mood, and acts like their best friend. They are unable to recognise the clear distinction between AI and human interaction, especially at an early age.
However, it is giving them a lasting trauma, even leading them to death. Children fall in love with the chatbots because of their loneliness and lack of attention from their elders. They are using AI tools as an anxiety management tool. They talk to them when they are worried, happy, and want to share something with someone.
Pop said, “Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to manipulation through AI algorithms that can influence their decisions and preferences.”
Artificial intelligence is now shaping the youth behaviour and even identity. It’s actually a trap with uninformed consent and zero transparency. Regarding neurological concerns, he stated, “AI must never interfere with the proper human and neurological development of young people and children.” On data access, he said, “Access to data, however extensive, must not be confused with intelligence.”
Safeguarding Youth Requires More Than Policy
Pope Leo XIV demands, “Safeguarding the dignity of minors cannot be reduced to policies alone; it also requires a digital education.”
He called for daily relational guidance from trained and mature adults. Children can’t be left to AI resources alone without supervision, especially when it comes to mental health and emotional issues.
He further said that collaborative networks should support proper ethical mentorship. Pope emphasised that “What is needed are daily, ongoing educational efforts, carried out by adults who themselves are trained and supported…” In the previous era, Pope Francis also shared the same thoughts, stating that adults must act as “artisans of education” in the digital age.
Pope Leo XIV calls for global accountability in AI manufacturing. He said, “Governments and international organisations have a responsibility to design and implement policies that protect the dignity of minors in this era of AI.”
Cardinal Paroline warned that “Humanity risks its own extinction if artificial life forms fail to respect human dignity.” So AI must be “an ally, not a threat” to youth development.
