Only weeks before his passing at the age of 88, Pope Francis published a moving message on justice and compassion.
In his monthly prayer intention issued on April 1, the pope urged everyone to have a more ethical, inclusive, and humane use of technology.
Pope Francis Sees Using Technology as a Moral Responsibility
Earlier this month, The Pope Video posted a nearly two-minute clip on YouTube about the use of new technologies. The late Pope Francis voiced a deep concern regarding the increasing reliance on digital screens of society.
The Jesuit pontiff wanted everyone to spend less time gazing at their screens. Instead, Pope Francis said that we should spend more time looking at each other.
The pope reminded everyone that behind every screen is a human being—someone who laughs, cries, breathes, and should be seen. This call for digital mindfulness resonates with moral responsibility.
Pope Francis believes that focusing on one another means preserving human dignity and promoting genuine relationships in an era too often controlled by artificial relationships.
Read more: Google Unlocks Gemini Live: No Subscription Needed to Use Screen Sharing, Video AI on Android
Faith in Innovation: Use Tech for Good
According to Fast Company, Pope Francis recognized the God-given human intelligence in which technological progress is possible, but he made it clear that this gift has to be used responsibly.
"It's true, technology is the fruit of the intelligence God gave us," he said. "But we need to use it well. It can't benefit only a few while excluding others. So, what should we do? We should use technology to unite, not to divide. To help the poor. To improve the lives of the sick and persons with different abilities."
Instead of dreading innovation, the pope invited the world to use it in the interest of all. He encouraged tech creators, politicians, and ordinary people to make solutions that benefit the poor, the disabled, and medical care a priority. Technology, he urged, should bring people together—not tear them apart.
A Steadfast Champion of Responsible Tech
This was not the first time Pope Francis expressed concern over the unbridled growth of modern technology.
In 2023, he cautioned against artificial intelligence entrenching a "technocratic paradigm" that would control global systems without moral consideration. He always advocated for technology to be measured not only by what it can do but by its effect on humankind—particularly the poor and vulnerable.
A year later, he said that AI can never replace wisdom of human heart. He added that true wisdom cannot be found in machines.
A Final Message Rooted in Love and Unity
In his encouraging message, Pope Francis invited everyone to leverage technology to "care for our common home" and build real human connections.
Aside from weakening connections to other people, more screen time, especially during late nights, can increase insomnia risk to 59%.
Let us never forget: Technology should never displace humanity. It should reflect and respect it.
