Leo warns AI and automation could put jobs at risk

In remarks reported by EFE, Leo warned that challenges from AI and deregulated automation could put many jobs at risk.[1] He said those challenges could also threaten integral human development.[1] The concern he described was not limited to the number of jobs: Leo said algorithms cannot replace human discernment or the value of a worker.[1] For employers and public officials considering automation, his remarks point to a question beyond efficiency: how will decisions preserve meaningful human judgment and workers’ ability to contribute?

Leo said technology must always be subject to ethics, and that public authorities must ensure the risks he described do not occur.[1] Vatican News reported that he identified human dignity as the first and most fundamental principle of the Church’s social doctrine.[3] He also said that a condition he discussed wounds dignity, deprives people of the chance to contribute to society and plunges them into social exclusion.[2] His framing connects employment and technological choices to dignity and participation, rather than treating them only as economic questions.

Leo said universal access to work should remain a priority for public policy and economic processes.[1] He called for stable public policies that promote full employment and social inclusion within an ethical framework.[1] He also argued that the common good requires overcoming sterile individualism and corporatist utilitarianism.[2] The remarks offer public authorities and business leaders a standard to weigh alongside productivity: consider whether economic and technology decisions support inclusion and access to work.

The Vatican schedule lists the Catholic University of Argentina in Buenos Aires for Monday, 9 November 2026; the meeting brought together workers, business leaders, trade-union members and representatives of popular movements.[2] The papal journey covered Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November 2026.[2] EFE reported that Milei and U.S. President Donald Trump were not in favor of regulating AI.[1] Open Magazine reported that Milei’s government was pursuing spending cuts and other economic reforms to curb inflation and restructure Argentina’s economy.[4] EFE also reported Leo’s call for public policies that promote full employment and inclusion.[1]