In Cameroon, the Pope warns against the excesses of artificial intelligence and its global impacts.

During a visit to Yaoundé, Pope Leo XIV warned on Friday of the dangers associated with the use of artificial intelligence, which he accused of fostering "polarization, conflict, fear, and violence." Speaking to students and teachers at the Catholic University of Central Africa, the pontiff referred to a profound transformation in the relationship to truth in the digital age.

According to him, the issue goes far beyond the simple use of new technologies. He denounced a phenomenon of the gradual replacement of reality by simulated content, which can isolate individuals in "impermeable bubbles." This development, he argued, fuels mistrust of others and contributes to the intensification of social and political tensions.

This stance comes amid growing controversy surrounding the use of artificial intelligence-generated content for political purposes. The Pope specifically called on young people to prioritize real-life human relationships, warning against excessive reliance on digital tools such as chatbots.

Beyond the societal challenges, Leo XIV also highlighted the environmental and social consequences linked to the development of artificial intelligence. He denounced the "devastating effects" of the intensive exploitation of rare earth elements, essential to digital technologies, the extraction of which places a heavy burden on several African countries.

Referring specifically to the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, rich in cobalt and other strategic minerals, the Pope emphasized the economic imbalances and the effects of corruption. He called for a better distribution of the wealth generated by these resources, arguing that Africa should be able to benefit more from its natural potential in the context of global digital transformation.