Pope Leo XIV, elected last week after the death of Pope Francis, discussed AI during an address to the College of Cardinals on Saturday.

Pope Leo XIV revealed that his papal name was partially inspired by the looming challenges of a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

In his first official press conference on Monday, Pope Leo XIV said the media needs to use AI with "responsibility and discernment," which sounds like a pretty stark warning to me.

Born Robert Francis Prevost, the new pope chose his papal name in reference to Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) who presided over the Catholic Church during the Industrial Revolution, which ushered in massive social upheaval. Pope Leo XIV sees the AI boom as a similar moment of rapid societal change.

Leo, the first American pope, told the cardinals that he was fully committed to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that modernized the church. He identified AI as one of the main issues facing humanity, saying it poses challenges to defending human dignity, justice and labor.

The 267th pope entered the great room of the Paul VI Audience Hall adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday to cheers. Leo called for the immediate release of imprisoned journalists worldwide and once again spoke of the harms and benefits that artificial intelligence poses.

Speaking to the College of Cardinals during his first official address on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV — formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost — said his decision to take the name “Leo” was a tribute to

New pontiff says Church must continue ‘precious legacy’ of Pope Francis - New leader of the Catholic Church identified AI as one of the most critical matters facing humanity