Protecting Humanness from AI

It is instructive that Pope Leo’s first statement raises concerns about artificial intelligence.

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Pope Leo XIV waves on the day he holds the weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, March 4, 2026.

Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

Artificial intelligence first sparked the public’s imagination because it was so good at so many things. It could analyze mountains of data, instantly summarize tomes, draft legal briefs, and edit articles.

But it then spread like wildfire because there were no firebreaks. Who could argue against a technology that promised to make staggering advancements in science, dramatically reduce labor costs, automate arduous tasks, and help stressed-out parents, anxious students, and time-strapped professionals get stuff done?

Andy Smarick

About the Author

Andy Smarick

Andy Smarick is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He writes about conservatism and public service at his Substack Governing Right.

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