Josephine Peterson

ROME (CNS) -- Catholic exorcists and occultism experts warned that artificial intelligence is increasingly being used for rituals, divination and even forms of worship, raising concerns that some peop

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Leo XIV celebrated Pentecost by highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in his repeated calls for peace in recent months, saying the spirit also guides the Church to truth amid a world marked by war, division and ideological fragmentation. During Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope said the

Pope Leo XIV reacts on the day he presides over the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of Pentecost in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 24, 2026. (OSV News photo/Matteo Minnella, Reuters)

Christians urged to become witnesses of reconciliation and hope amid divisions caused by war and ideological fragmentation

Pope Leo XIV speaks during the presentation of “Magnifica Humanitas” at the Vatican’s Synod Hall May 25, 2026, the first encyclical of his papacy, which focuses on the rise of artificial intelligence. (OSV News photo/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media)

Anna Rowlands, a professor of political theology at Durham University in England, speaks at a presentation on the release of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas"at the Synod Hall at the Vatican May 25, 2026. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Anna Rowlands, a professor of political theology at Durham University in England, speaks at a presentation on the release of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Synod Hall at the Vatican May 25, 2026. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Pope Leo XIV greets visitors and pilgrims from the popemobile while riding around St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican before his weekly general audience May 27, 2026. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Amid renewed tensions between the Vatican and traditionalist Catholics over the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo XIV defended Church reform as a legitimate process that adapts to current needs while remaining rooted in authentic tradition.

Pope Leo XIV signs "Magnifica Humanitas" at the Vatican's Synod Hall May 15, 2026, the first encyclical of his papacy, which focuses on the rise of artificial intelligence.