Pope Leo XIV’s describes his top goals to first formal audience since becoming pontiff

Don’t miss the full story, whose reporting is the basis of this AI-assisted article.

Pope Leo XIV presented a clear vision for his papacy in his first formal audience since becoming the 267th pontiff. The American-born pope blends continuity with Pope Francis’ priorities while identifying artificial intelligence as one of humanity’s most critical challenges.

The former Cardinal Robert Prevost explained his choice of papal name by referencing Pope Leo XIII, who addressed the social questions of the Industrial Revolution through his landmark 1891 encyclical. Similarly, Leo XIV sees AI as requiring the Church’s guidance “for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor” in our era’s own technological revolution.

Leo repeatedly cited Francis’ 2013 mission statement “The Joy of the Gospel,” signaling his commitment to an inclusive church that prioritizes the marginalized. He emphasized the need for the church to engage in “courageous dialogue with the contemporary world” while maintaining its missionary nature.

The former Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, will retain his episcopal motto “In Illo uno unum” (“In the one Christ we are one”), underscoring themes of unity within diversity. His election came with remarkable speed and consensus, reportedly receiving more than 100 votes on the fourth ballot — far beyond the required two-thirds majority.

Pope Leo XIV’s top six goals, per his speech:

• Address ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and technological development.

• Continue Francis’ vision of a more inclusive and outreach-focused church.

• Maintain commitment to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

• Foster unity within the church’s global diversity.

• Prioritize attention to “the least and rejected” in society.

• Engage in “courageous dialogue with the contemporary world.”

— The Associated Press

Read more: Pope Leo XIV lays out his vision and identifies AI as a main challenge for humanity