Pope Leo XIV has called on world leaders, tech innovators, and global citizens to ensure the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is guided by ethics, human dignity, and the promotion of peaceful societies. In a message delivered during the AI for Good Summit in Geneva on July 10, 2025, the pontiff urged the international community to establish robust frameworks and regulations that put the “common good” at the center of the AI revolution. As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes key sectors from healthcare and education to governance, the Pope’s intervention underlines mounting concerns about the pace and direction of AI development worldwide.
This call for ethical clarity arrives at a critical juncture. AI has long promised to improve lives and transform industries, but its rapid, often unregulated adoption has outpaced dialogue on its social and moral ramifications. Thai society, already grappling with the challenges and opportunities brought by digital transformation, finds itself at the front lines of these debates—where questions of equity, privacy, and social cohesion have real and immediate impacts. Pope Leo’s message, then, resonates not only with policymakers and programmers in Geneva but with all stakeholders striving to balance technological progress with the well-being of their communities.
The AI for Good Summit, organized by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union and co-hosted by the Swiss government, brought together participants from governments, industry, academia, and civil society. In his letter, signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope wrote, “I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to seek ethical clarity and to establish a coordinated local and global governance of AI, based on the shared recognition of the inherent dignity and fundamental freedoms of the human person” (Vatican News). The message frames AI not as a solely technical or economic phenomenon, but as “an era of profound innovation” that raises new, urgent questions about “what it means to be human.”
A key theme running through the Pope’s remarks is the need for “ethical management and regulatory frameworks centered on the human person.” AI’s capacity to learn and adapt autonomously, making decisions with real-world implications, demands a careful accounting of both its “anthropological and ethical implications” and the values societies wish to uphold. Responsibility must start with the “developers, managers, and overseers” of AI systems. However, the Pope also emphasizes that users—and by implication, every member of society—share in this mission, stating: “AI requires proper ethical management and regulatory frameworks centered on the human person, and which goes beyond the mere criteria of utility or efficiency.”
Drawing on the philosophical heritage of St. Augustine and his concept of the “tranquility of order,” the Pope advocates for AI to “foster a more human order of social relations and peaceful societies in service of integral human development and the good of the human family.” Artificial intelligence may be able to simulate human reasoning and execute complex tasks more efficiently than any human can, but it “cannot replicate moral discernment or the ability to form genuine relationships,” he cautioned. For Pope Leo, the legitimacy of AI’s contributions to fields such as education, healthcare, the arts, or governance will be measured not only in productivity or convenience but in their capacity to enhance individual responsibility, nurture social bonds, and promote true equity.
The need for discernment and dialogue emerged as another linchpin of the Pope’s argument. He insists, “the development of this technology must go hand in hand with respect for human and social values, the capacity to judge with a clear conscience, and growth in human responsibility.” Rather than allowing AI to be driven solely by market efficiency or national competition, the pontiff calls for “building bridges of dialogue and fostering fraternity”—a vision closely aligned with Thai values of harmonious community and the Buddhist emphasis on right intention and ethical conduct.
Experts in technology policy and ethics echo these concerns. According to researchers at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), AI risks amplifying inequalities if not properly managed, especially in emerging economies (unesco.org). An academic at Chulalongkorn University points out that “in Thailand, where digital literacy remains uneven and regulatory frameworks are still developing, ensuring the responsible use of AI is not an abstract question, but a matter of protecting livelihoods, privacy, and the fabric of our society.” Another Thai digital policy analyst noted, “We already see examples of algorithmic bias in social media, targeted advertising, and governmental decision-making tools. If left unchecked, such systems can deepen divisions and erode trust in institutions.”
This sense of urgency is heightened by Thailand’s rapid digitization. The government’s Thailand 4.0 agenda aims to harness new technologies for economic modernization, with AI positioned as a cornerstone of innovation in sectors ranging from public health to tourism (thailand.or.th). However, as a senior official at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has warned, “Without robust ethical standards, regulatory oversight, and broad-based public participation, these benefits may come at the cost of privacy, autonomy, and equality.” Over the last two years, the Thai government has floated draft regulations to govern digital platforms and AI-enabled services, sparking debate among rights advocates concerned about state surveillance and business groups focused on international competitiveness (bangkokpost.com).
Thai cultural perspectives add a further layer of relevance to Pope Leo’s message. Concepts such as “Nam Jai” (น้ำใจ)—the spirit of generosity and communal respect—offer a distinctly local lens through which to debate the role of AI in society. Buddhist teachings emphasize right intention, mindfulness, and compassion: qualities that are difficult to encode into lines of code but vital for ensuring technology serves the genuine needs of people. As a Thai ethicist at Mahidol University argued in a recent panel, “AI must be subjected to the same scrutiny as any tool that affects daily life, with a focus on sustainability and the flourishing of both individuals and communities.”
Looking ahead, the international spotlight remains on efforts to forge common standards for the responsible use of AI. The AI for Good Summit’s Geneva Declaration commits participating nations to expand cooperation, share best practices, and prioritize the public interest in all AI endeavors (itu.int). In the Asia Pacific region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been moving toward a joint approach to digital ethics, with Thailand playing an active role in regional frameworks (asean.org). Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly in translating high-level principles into practical rules, effective enforcement, and widespread digital literacy.
The road forward is complex, but actionable steps can be charted from the Pope’s message and ongoing policy developments. For Thai readers—whether policymakers, educators, tech professionals, or concerned parents—the following recommendations emerge:
- Demand transparency and accountability from AI providers. Insist on clear information about how algorithms make decisions, how data is used, and where responsibilities lie.
- Support public dialogue. Participate in civic discussions about the ethical use of digital technologies, especially in forums that include diverse voices and perspectives.
- Prioritize education. From schools to universities and community centers, invest in digital literacy programs that empower people to understand and question the impacts of AI.
- Advocate for comprehensive regulation. Urge lawmakers to adopt standards that protect human rights while enabling innovation, with active oversight and mechanisms for public engagement.
- Reinforce Thai cultural values. Draw inspiration from Buddhist, communal, and familial traditions to guide ethical standards for emerging technologies.
In sum, the Pope’s Geneva message reminds us that technological change need not undermine our deepest values, but can be harnessed to create new bonds of fraternity and understanding—provided we remain vigilant, inclusive, and rooted in ethical discernment. As Thailand’s digital transformation gathers pace, these challenges will only grow more urgent, making continued reflection and public engagement both a moral duty and a social necessity.
Sources: Vatican News, unesco.org, thailand.or.th, bangkokpost.com, itu.int, asean.org