Social Media Claims 'New Pope Leo XIV' Focuses on AI Ethics, Despite Current Pope Francis' Reign

A social media user recently shared a video claiming the emergence of a 'new Pope Leo XIV' who has made AI ethics the central focus of his papacy. This assertion, however, is inaccurate, as the current head of the Catholic Church is Pope Francis, and there has been no Pope Leo XIV. The video's speaker draws a parallel between this purported new Pope and Pope Leo XIII, suggesting a historical continuity in addressing societal changes, specifically from the Industrial Revolution to the 'AI Revolution.' Despite the factual error regarding the Pope's identity, the video does accurately reference the Vatican's long-standing engagement with AI ethics. It highlights a significant initiative from 2020, where the Vatican partnered with technology giants Microsoft and IBM to launch the 'Rome Call for AI Ethics.' This collaborative effort established six key principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that the Church's approach is not to condemn AI but to ensure its development and application serve human dignity.