What Pope Leo XIV Wants Every Parish to Know About AI

If you’re on the internet at all these days, chances are you’re interacting with some version of AI, whether that’s asking your sous chef ChatGPT for recipe advice, taking live meeting notes on a work call, or interacting with a bot to update a reservation. Here at Pushpay, we believe that AI can be effectively harnessed to help you achieve your goals for ministry so when Pope Leo had something to say about how it’s developed, our ears started burning. 

In a recent message to technology leaders at the Builders AI Forum, Pope Leo XIV reminded the world that artificial intelligence isn’t just about what machines can do, it’s about who we are becoming through the technologies we build. He highlighted the responsibility of all builders of AI to cultivate moral discernment as part of their work, not losing sight of the impact every design choice can have on human beings created in the image of God. This “ecclesial endeavor” as he calls it, is an invitation to place technology at the service of evangelization and the integral development of every person. 

For those of you serving in parishes, this message might sound far removed from your daily work, but it’s probably closer than you realize. Even though you’re not directly developing AI, the way you use it can indeed be part of this ecclesial endeavor. 

Why “ethical AI” matters for ministry
Imagine being able to quickly identify who hasn’t been to Mass in a while, who might need a follow-up call after a prayer request, or who’s been quietly generous behind the scenes. That’s not data for data’s sake. That’s pastoral care powered by relevant insights. This is where our AI solutions are helping pastors and parish leaders get back the time required to respond to these critical human needs. 

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How Pushpay’s AI echoes the Pope’s vision
Our new AI-powered tools for churches and ministries are designed with intention and care, not just to make things faster, but to make ministry more personal.

Here’s how our approach reflects what the Church calls “ethical AI”:

• We’re committed to developing tools that enhance the human element, not replacing it. They’re designed with parish leaders like you in mind, freeing up staff and volunteers from repetitive tasks so you can spend more time connecting with people.
• We’re listening and building intentionally. These tools weren’t built in isolation — they were shaped by feedback from church staff, pastors, administrators, and church leaders. That collaboration reflects the Church’s call for dialogue between faith and reason in shaping technology.
• With Pushpay’s AI tools, you will be empowered to put your mission before metrics. AI can streamline tasks and highlight opportunities, but the goal isn’t efficiency — it’s encounter. These tools will help you take meaningful action in the moments that matter most.

Faith and reason, working together
Pope Leo XIV’s call for ethical AI is a reminder that your parish work doesn’t have to stand apart from technological progress. But rather, as a Christian, you’re called to “ensure that emerging technologies remain oriented toward the dignity of the human person and the common good” (Pope Leo XIV).

When we use tools built with integrity and intention, we take part in the ongoing dialogue between faith and reason.

AI can’t preach the Gospel, anoint the sick, or comfort the sorrowful — but it can help church leaders within your parish do those things better. When technology is aligned with your mission, it makes your ministries more personal, responsive, and effective.

For the Church, the question isn’t whether AI has a role, it’s how we will use it wisely and faithfully to build up the Body of Christ in the digital age.

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