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Pope Leo’s address to Pontifical Academy of Sciences
Clementine Hall – Thursday, 24 September 2026
Theme: “The Future of Science in a Changing World.”
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
Your Eminence,
Distinguished members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to welcome you to this year’s Plenary Session of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Thank you to the Chancellor, Cardinal Turkson, and the President, Joachim von Braun, and the Council, for organizing this gathering to discuss the theme “The Future of Science in a Changing World.”
This issue is indeed timely, since “in recent years, it has become increasingly evident how rapidly and profoundly digitalization, artificial intelligence and robotics are transforming our world“. (Magnifica Humanitas, no. 4)
Although their full impact remains uncertain, these tools give us reason to hope for a brighter future for humanity.
They may, for instance,
– lead to scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations that advance medicine, – improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease,
– strengthen food and energy systems,
– deepen our understanding of the universe and the natural world, and
– open new possibilities for human creativity and cooperation.
Yet, precisely because these developments are so promising, we must also recognize the risks they pose.
Artificial intelligence can be used for surveillance, manipulation, and discrimination (Magnificent Humanitas, nos. 103 and 150).
When developed or deployed without adequate safeguards and human oversight, sophisticated cyber capabilities and autonomous weapons may introduce new dangers to security and international peace (nos. 183, 197).
Furthermore, current AI systems require enormous amounts of energy and water, which significantly influences carbon dioxide emissions and places heavy demands on natural resources. (Magnifica Humanitas, no. 101).
These possibilities and risks remind us that technological progress is never just a technical issue.
Every technology reflects a particular understanding of the human person, of society and of the future we wish to build, whether explicitly or implicitly.
Therefore scientific and technological advancement must therefore be accompanied by a corresponding growth in responsibility.
As our ability to transform the world increases, so must our ability to discern what truly serves God-given human dignity, govern wisely, and care for those who may bear the greatest consequences of our choices. (Magnifica Humanitas, no. 173).
The demand for responsibility is especially urgent in the face of climate change.
We are witnessing heat waves, droughts, floods, storms, wildfires, and other natural disasters with increasing frequency and intensity.
These disasters disproportionately affect the poor, communities with the fewest resources to adapt, and those whose livelihoods depend on the land, forests, and oceans (Francis, Laudato Si’, no. 25).
Therefore, the climate issue is not just an environmental challenge.
It is fundamentally a matter of justice, human dignity, and solidarity among peoples and generations.
We cannot only respond to these challenges after disaster has already struck.
We must transition from emergency response to prevention, from vulnerability to preparedness, and from short-term measures to a wise, far-sighted vision for humanity. This requires a responsible and discerning approach to science that builds resilience, one that is committed to discovery while considering the potential consequences of scientific and technological choices for humanity and the integrity of the creation entrusted to us by God.
In this effort, cooperation across disciplines is essential.
Building climate resilience requires collaboration among scientists, engineers, economists, physicians, social scientists, local communities, and policymakers.
The challenges posed by a changing climate transcend all boundaries between disciplines, institutions, and nations. Therefore, our response must do the same.
As Pope Francis reminded us in ‘Laudato Si’ no. 164,” our interdependence calls us to approach environmental challenges from a global perspective and to work towards a common plan.
For this reason, I applaud the Summits on Climate Resilience that your academy has hosted with the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and scientific partners from around the world over the past two years.
These gatherings are encouraging because they bring together scientists, young people, public authorities, representatives of civil society, and members of different religious traditions.
These gatherings create spaces where knowledge can be shared across borders, where successful experiences can be learned from and adapted, and where scientific understanding can be translated into practical action.
I encourage you to continue along this path.
With these sentiments in mind, I earnestly hope that your reflections during this time will provide valuable guidance for the future of science.
We are reminded of the future in the young people among us.
This is very important.
I pray that you will foster a scientific culture that is ambitious yet humble, rigorous yet open to dialogue, innovative yet responsible, and globally cooperative while being inclusive of those most at risk and in greatest need.
In this way, scientific collaboration can remain focused on safeguarding God-given human dignity, promoting the common good, and caring for creation as a public good in service of peace.
May the Holy Spirit, the source of all charity and the bond of unity, enlighten your minds and strengthen your efforts.
I willingly invoke the abundant blessings of Almighty God upon all of you. Thank you.
Now, let us pray together and ask for God’s blessing by reciting the words that Jesus taught us. Our Father … [Blessing.]
