Rumours about AI Encyclical from Pope Leo XIV Debunked
rome, vrijdag, 3 oktober 2025.
Recent rumours about an upcoming AI encyclical from Pope Leo XIV have been circulating on social media, but Catholic News and other sources have debunked these claims. While there is talk of a document on technology and AI, it is more likely to be an apostolic exhortation on poverty rather than an official encyclical. The Vatican is grappling with an increasing number of deepfake videos of the pope, leading to concerns about disinformation and mistrust towards authorities.
Rumours about AI Encyclical from Pope Leo XIV Debunked
Recent rumours about an upcoming AI encyclical from Pope Leo XIV have been circulating on social media, but Catholic News and other sources have debunked these claims. While there is talk of a document on technology and AI, it is more likely to be an apostolic exhortation on poverty rather than an official encyclical. The Vatican is grappling with an increasing number of deepfake videos of the pope, leading to concerns about disinformation and mistrust towards authorities [1].
The Role of AI in the Spread and Combat of Fake News
AI plays a crucial role in both the spread and combat of fake news. In recent years, deepfake technologies have advanced remarkably, making it possible to create highly realistic videos and audio that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. This technology is often used to discredit authorities, such as the pope, by making them appear to say or do things they never did [1].
Spread of Fake News
Deepfake videos and other false messages can circulate rapidly via social media, often attracting more attention than genuine news stories. This is partly due to the sensational nature of this content, which tends to be more viral. For example, the Vatican has indicated that they almost have a full-time job refuting and removing these deepfake videos of Pope Leo XIV [1].
Combatting Fake News
To combat the spread of fake news, various organisations and platforms are using AI technologies. These systems analyse large amounts of data to detect and remove false information. For instance, the Vatican has established a special department dedicated to identifying and refuting deepfake videos and other false messages [1].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The spread of fake news has serious implications for media literacy and democracy. When people no longer know what is true, their trust in media and authorities diminishes. This can lead to polarisation and division in society. Therefore, it is crucial that citizens are aware of potential sources of disinformation and learn how to identify them [GPT].
Practical Tips for Identifying Fake News
There are several practical tips that readers can use to identify fake news:
- Check Sources: Ensure that the information comes from reliable and established media outlets.
- Consult Multiple Sources: Compare information from different sources to get a balanced view.
- Use Fact-Checking Websites: Websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, and Politifact can help verify the accuracy of information.
- Analyse Text and Images: Look for unnatural movements, poorly edited videos, or unusual audio.
- Critical Thinking: Ask yourself if the story makes sense and if there might be a hidden agenda [GPT].