Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday, leaves behind a legacy that deeply shaped the global conversation about technology and ethics. Throughout his papacy, Francis consistently called for technology to be used as a tool for unity, dignity, and the common good, rather than a source of division or inequality.
In his final months, Francis urged the world to ensure that new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, do not replace real human relationships or exclude the most vulnerable. “Something’s wrong if we spend more time on our cell phones than with people,” he warned in his April 2025 message, emphasizing the risk of isolation and the loss of authentic connection in the digital age. He stressed that technology, a fruit of human intelligence, must not benefit only a privileged few but should help unite people, improve lives, and care for the earth.
Francis applauded the positive impact of technology in areas like medicine, education, and communication, but repeatedly insisted that its use must be guided by ethical principles and always respect human dignity. He challenged world leaders and tech innovators to make sure digital progress addresses global crises, such as poverty and climate change, and does not deepen existing inequalities.
The Pope also warned against a “technocratic paradigm”, the idea that unchecked technological progress could endanger humanity and the environment. He called instead for a culture of encounter, interdisciplinary dialogue, and critical awareness about how technology shapes society.
As the world reflects on his legacy, Pope Francis’s message is clear: technology should help us look each other in the eyes, not just at screens. It must serve every person, especially the weakest, and promote genuine human relationships, solidarity, and care for our common home.
