Pope Leo XIV emphasizes reciprocity

In brief

Pope Leo XIV called for a greater commitment to the logic of reciprocity during a general audience on September 16, 2026. While teaching on the Second Vatican Council document Gaudium et Spes, the pope addressed how modern technology and artificial intelligence affect human connections.

The pope noted that while mass media and social media break down barriers, social relationships are becoming more virtual and less personal. He warned that people risk delegating decisions to algorithms that should belong to human conscience. He stated that the Christian community aims to ensure social relationships maintain real substance and personal depth.

Pope Leo XIV explained that the development of society and the improvement of the human person are interdependent. He said that the diversity of people and nations should be viewed as a way to enrich and grow rather than as a threat.