Vatican City, June 2026 – In a powerful new encyclical, Pope Leo XIV cautioned technology developers and political leaders about the dangers of unchecked artificial intelligence, comparing the race to build AI systems to the depravity of slavery. His call to “disarm” AI has ignited widespread debate among Christians worldwide about whether engaging with artificial intelligence can ever be done wisely.
The pope’s warning comes at a time when AI adoption is accelerating across industries and communities. A Barna study released this spring revealed that 66% of Christians believe AI will improve their lives, yet 57% also see it as a threat. Among pastors, caution is even stronger, with 72% expressing concern about AI’s potential risks.
Despite these concerns, Christian communities have not shied away from experimenting with AI tools. In Nigeria, where over 40% of the population identifies as Christian, developers have introduced Pewbeam, an AI tool that automatically finds biblical references mentioned during sermons and projects them onto church screens. This innovation reflects a growing wave of AI-driven faith technologies across Africa.
Reporter Joseph Maina, writing for Religion Unplugged, has documented how coders are building AI for the church in his article “God In The Algorithm.” He notes that while some Christians remain wary, others are embracing AI as a way to deepen faith practices and expand access to scripture.
The pope’s encyclical underscores the tension between faith and technology: while AI offers opportunities for innovation in worship and community life, it also raises profound ethical questions about exploitation, identity, and truth. As Christian leaders and believers grapple with these issues, the global church is entering a new chapter in its relationship with technology — one defined by both caution and creativity.
