In a profound address on the future of human intimacy, the Pope has warned against the rise of “overly affectionate” AI chatbots. Speaking to a delegation of tech ethicists and theologians today, Sunday, 25 January 2026, the Pontiff expressed deep concern that digital companions are being designed to mimic romantic and emotional bonds, potentially “eroding the sanctity of human-to-human connection.”
While the Vatican has previously embraced the “practical” benefits of AI, this speech marks a significant shift toward addressing the psychological and spiritual risks of emotional dependency on machines.
The Pope’s address highlighted three specific dangers posed by the new generation of hyper-realistic, empathetic AI. He warned that AI “knows how to simulate empathy but cannot truly feel it,” creating a one-sided bond that leaves humans more isolated than before.
The Pope expressed fear that individuals, especially the lonely and elderly, might choose the “easier, non-judgmental” companionship of an AI over the “messy but necessary” work of building relationships with real neighbors and family.
He criticized tech companies for “playing God” by designing algorithms that tap into human biological needs for affection to increase user engagement and profit.
The Vatican is reportedly working on a new document, provisionally titled “The Soul in the Machine,” which will call for mandating that AI must always identify its “un-feeling” nature and refrain from using romantic or excessively intimate language; encourage developers to build “limiters” that prevent AI from becoming the primary emotional support for vulnerable users; and rioritize AI that helps people connect with each other, rather than keeping them glued to their screens.
Public Sentiment: Human vs. AI Relationships (2026 Survey)
| Statement | Agree (%) | Disagree (%) |
| “I find it easier to talk to my AI than my partner.” | 34% | 66% |
| “AI should be banned from mimicking romance.” | 52% | 48% |
| “AI helps me feel less lonely.” | 61% | 39% |
| “Human relationships are more valuable than AI ones.” | 88% | 12% |
Key Quote from the Pope
“We must not trade the breath of life for a line of code. A machine can say ‘I love you,’ but it cannot die for you. True love is found in the physical presence of the ‘other’, in their flaws, their struggles, and their grace. Let us use technology to build bridges, not mirrors that reflect only our own desires.”
