The pontiff made this declaration during a closed-door meeting with priests from the Diocese of Rome on Thursday, February 26, urging clergy to remain deeply connected to their communities rather than relying on technology for spiritual guidance.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session after his address, Pope Leo XIV responded to concerns from priests about how to remain effective in today’s postmodern society without resorting to outdated methods.
The 70-year-old pope emphasized that authentic ministry begins with fully understanding the people a priest is called to serve. Recalling a recent visit to Ostia, a southern neighborhood of Rome, he explained that meaningful preaching can only happen when clergy immerse themselves in the lived realities of their congregations.
Pope Leo warned priests to stay vigilant about the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the internet, particularly cautioning against the temptation to use AI tools to generate homilies.
“Like all the muscles in the body, if we do not use them, they die,” the pope said. “The brain must be exercised. Our intelligence must be used so we do not lose this capacity.”
He stressed that preaching is not merely about delivering information but about sharing faith—something he believes artificial intelligence is fundamentally incapable of doing.
“To give a true homily is to share faith,” he stated. “Artificial intelligence will never be able to share faith.”
The pope added that believers want to see the personal faith and lived experience of their priests, noting that people respond when they witness genuine love for Jesus Christ reflected in human actions and words.
During the same session, Pope Leo also addressed questions from younger priests about engaging their peers and modern youth. He urged clergy not to focus only on those already attending church but to actively seek out others through outreach initiatives.
“We must go ourselves,” he said. “We must invite other young people, go into the streets with them, perhaps through sports, art, or culture.”
Highlighting rising loneliness among young people—especially after the COVID-19 pandemic—the pope warned that excessive smartphone use has deepened isolation and weakened human relationships.
“They live in incredible loneliness,” he explained. “A cold distance from others, without knowing the richness and value of truly human relationships.”
He concluded by urging priests to offer young people a different kind of experience—one rooted in friendship, sharing, and communion—which can ultimately lead them toward faith.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session after his address, Pope Leo XIV responded to concerns from priests about how to remain effective in today’s postmodern society without resorting to outdated methods.
The 70-year-old pope emphasized that authentic ministry begins with fully understanding the people a priest is called to serve. Recalling a recent visit to Ostia, a southern neighborhood of Rome, he explained that meaningful preaching can only happen when clergy immerse themselves in the lived realities of their congregations.
Pope Leo warned priests to stay vigilant about the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the internet, particularly cautioning against the temptation to use AI tools to generate homilies.
“Like all the muscles in the body, if we do not use them, they die,” the pope said. “The brain must be exercised. Our intelligence must be used so we do not lose this capacity.”
He stressed that preaching is not merely about delivering information but about sharing faith—something he believes artificial intelligence is fundamentally incapable of doing.
“To give a true homily is to share faith,” he stated. “Artificial intelligence will never be able to share faith.”
The pope added that believers want to see the personal faith and lived experience of their priests, noting that people respond when they witness genuine love for Jesus Christ reflected in human actions and words.
During the same session, Pope Leo also addressed questions from younger priests about engaging their peers and modern youth. He urged clergy not to focus only on those already attending church but to actively seek out others through outreach initiatives.
“We must go ourselves,” he said. “We must invite other young people, go into the streets with them, perhaps through sports, art, or culture.”
Highlighting rising loneliness among young people—especially after the COVID-19 pandemic—the pope warned that excessive smartphone use has deepened isolation and weakened human relationships.
“They live in incredible loneliness,” he explained. “A cold distance from others, without knowing the richness and value of truly human relationships.”
He concluded by urging priests to offer young people a different kind of experience—one rooted in friendship, sharing, and communion—which can ultimately lead them toward faith.
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