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A couple weeks ago, Pope Leo XIV released a significant statement ("Magnifica Humanitas") to the world about artificial intelligence and this historic time. In (my) summary, his sharing asks: What does it mean to be deeply committed to each other as humans? And how can we choose and vow to be leaders who steward technology to serve the entire human family?

This moment feels significant - the entire world is involved. And I greatly appreciate how Pope Leo is imploring us to look to Jesus and consider what is ahead with eyes/minds/hearts of faith and responsibility.

As we all know, AI is changing how people learn, think, create, work and relate to one another. It is reshaping expectations in nearly every facet of our daily lives and advancing so much from business to healthcare to even weapons and war.

For our churches - pastors, staff and communications leaders, this is a time for prayerful discernment. To think deeply about how we are being impacted as leaders (as well as the people we serve), how we love and engage with others, and how we shepherd our churches and ministries moving forward.

Our humanity and the Gospel

One of the things that stood out to me from the Pope’s sharing is how he wrote about how humanity is not something to overcome or bypass (because of AI and automation). Instead, our humanity is something to be embraced every day in every season. We are made in God's image. Every single one of us.

And it leads us to the Gospel. In our humanity - our weakness, limitations and sin - we need a Savior, who is Jesus. We have this living hope, and we want to share it with real people to bring them joy for today and all of eternity.

We are called to be counter-cultural

As Christians, more than ever, we are called to be beautifully counter-cultural. We can double down on seeing people, loving them and sharing the Good News of Jesus with them.

People are desperate to be known, loved and have peace and purpose in their lives. We can offer ourselves and caring ministry and church communities to them that meet these needs.

We are stewards to serve

Then, as thoughtful stewards of the technology, let's use advancing tools to share with more people, help them engage and take next steps that will bring value to their lives.

But the order and priority matters greatly! It has to be: Love the Lord. Love others. Share the Gospel. And use technology to serve.

And leaders must go first

This isn't for others to figure out. The Pope signed his name to the Magnifica Humanitas on May 15, 2026. He is leading and challenging many. And we have to do the same.

What does it mean to YOU to be deeply committed to each other as humans? How will YOU choose and vow to steward technology to serve?

Help us all to live and lead with wisdom. May we abide with Jesus first. Love others. Share the Gospel. And use technology thoughtfully.