Pope Francis warned against new tech in final prayer intention.

Pope Francis warned against new technology replacing 'human relationships' in final weeks

Every month, the Pope focused on a new topic for prayer. Pope Francis's final "monthly intention" was on new technology.
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Pope Francis shared a prescient warning about technology just weeks before his death. Credit: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was known for his progressive ideals within a traditionally conservative institution and advocated for both social and economic justice.

In the weeks before Pope Francis passed, he also shared an important and forward-thinking message about new technology.

"How I would like for us to look less at screens and look each other in the eyes more!" Pope Francis said in an official video message translated from his native Spanish language. "Something's wrong if we spend more time on our cell phones than with people."

The Pope's prayer concerning technology was uploaded just 3 weeks before his passing.

Pope Francis's message was a part of the Pope's "Monthly Intentions" for 2025. Each month, the Pope set a “monthly prayer intention,” where he invited people around the world to join him in prayer on a specific topic. April’s intention, the final monthly intention before his death, was focused on new technology. The intention and related reflections posted to the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network specifically mentioned artificial intelligence, video calls, smartphones, and screen time in general.

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"It's true, technology is the fruit of the intelligence God gave us but we need to use it well," Pope Francis said in his April video address. "It can't benefit only a few while excluding others."

In his message, Pope Francis called on using technology to "unite, not to divide." He shared that technology should be used to help the poor, the sick, and persons with different abilities. In keeping with his environmentally-conscious messaging throughout his papacy, Pope Francis also called for using technology to "care for our common home" and to connect with one another.

Ironically, many social media users underlined Pope Francis's point about technology immediately after his death, albeit unintentionally. Once the news broke, social networking platforms exploded with memes, many referencing the 2024 film Conclave about the secretive meeting of Cardinals following a pope's death. Others joked about how Vice President JD Vance was among the final people to see the Pope before his death, meeting Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.

"The screen makes us forget that there are real people behind it who breathe, laugh, and cry," Pope Francis said.

In the April prayer on new technology, the Pope shared his hope that "technology does not replace 'person-to-person' contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings."

He concluded, "Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person and will help us face the crises of our times."

Topics  Artificial Intelligence Digital Divide Accessibility

Comments

  1. From bali 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

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  2. He's voice changed so many lives of people who cares about him when it comes to technology.

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  3. Our beloved Pope Francis spoke exactly my thoughts. God bless him and keep him safe and grant him good health and a new lease of life.

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  4. Beautiful inspiring words . Praying so much for beloved Pope's complete recovery ❤❤❤❤

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  5. Bravo Papa! 🎶❤😍

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  6. ❤❤RAM NARAYAN RAM ❤❤

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  7. ❤❤❤🙏🙏Amen 🙏🙏

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  8. Viva Il Papa Francesco

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  9. When did he record this? Wasn't his voice considerably weakened by the respiratory infection?

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  10. Is that a same sex couple near the end? I thought of sharing this video with others but that part is questionable so I think I won't.

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  11. 0:07 0:09 Today is 16 April of Year 248 CCXLVIII σμζ' of Peaceful Democratic Secular Republic of the United States of America, Second Lunation Pink Flower Moon in the Fourth Hellenistic Period of Natural Revelation.

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  12. Pope Francis was a kind soul, an advocate for social justice. He washed the feet of a Muslim immigrant out of sense of universal brotherhood and humility. I wish Muslims embrace universal love and brotherhood and world domination.

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  13. I think Pope Francis is right — no amount of tech can replace a genuine human connection. We’re social beings, not machines.

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  14. This is such a timely reminder. We’re glued to screens more than we actually talk to people these days.

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  15. While I get what he's saying, tech can also enhance relationships if used wisely. Video calls kept many of us connected during lockdowns.

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  16. He’s not saying technology is evil, just that we shouldn’t let it replace the warmth and depth of human interaction. Big difference.

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  17. Coming from a global spiritual leader, this hits hard. We need to be careful about what we’re sacrificing for convenience.

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  18. I respectfully disagree — sometimes tech is the only way I can stay connected, especially with loved ones far away.

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  19. It's kind of ironic to see this statement go viral online… using the very tech he's warning us about.

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  20. Honestly, people need to hear this. Too many of us are emotionally detached because we're more invested in our phones than each other.

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  21. It’s interesting how this aligns with mental health studies. Real-life social bonds are crucial for well-being.

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  22. He’s thinking long-term. If we don't check ourselves now, we might wake up one day in a world where empathy is just an app feature.

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  23. And could he possibly know about "human relationships" ???

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  24. Should of prayed harder

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  25. What did he do ?????

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  26. Kisses the quran and says all religions are a pathway to God...may God have mercy on his soul.

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    Replies
    1. ur just one less god then an atheist

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  27. He was nuts 😄😄

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  28. Rest in peace Pope Francis 🙏🕯️

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  29. Did he warn of idolizing politicians and hating your neighbor?

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  30. Good riddance you fucking Satanist PEDO

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  31. I witnessed this news live and this is the recorded video ‼️📷https://skysport.wiki/five

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  32. We Witnessed this Incident Live, You can Watch recorded footage 👉https://skysport.wiki/three

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  33. Honestly, he’s not wrong — tech can’t replace genuine human connection.

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  34. Interesting that this was his final focus. Clearly something he feels strongly about.

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  35. I wonder if he’s talking about AI, social media, or both?

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  36. It’s a good reminder to look up from our screens once in a while.

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  37. Tech isn’t inherently bad, but yeah, it’s all about balance.

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  38. Wow, kind of poetic that his last message was about preserving humanity.

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  39. I think he’s just afraid of change, like most old-school leaders.

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  40. This makes me think of how much time I spend on my phone versus with people.

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  41. I respect that he’s thinking about the future even as his time winds down.

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  42. New tech doesn’t have to replace relationships — it can enhance them if used right.

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