Vatican embraces AI under Pope Leo XIV with continued HolyDeeds partnership

He’s only partly skeptical.

The Vatican’s digital transformation accelerates as Pope Leo XIV endorses AI and immersive technology for spiritual outreach in his first address to the College of Cardinals. This significant shift builds on the groundwork laid by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who partnered with UK tech startup HolyDeeds on “The Immersive Faith Project” before his passing in April. The Catholic Church’s embrace of digital evangelization represents a strategic pivot to reach younger generations through modern technological mediums while maintaining doctrinal integrity.

The big picture: The Vatican is embracing digital technologies as tools for spiritual outreach, with the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV continuing and expanding his predecessor’s technological initiatives.

• Pope Leo XIV urged Church leaders to adopt a posture of “wisdom-guided adoption” of AI rather than fear, calling for approaches that “respect human dignity and elevate spiritual understanding.”
• As the first American Pope and one of the youngest in decades, Pope Leo’s appointment appears to have energized the Vatican’s approach to technological innovation.

What they’re saying: HolyDeeds CEO Andrius Bartminas emphasizes that their technology isn’t merely adding a flashy facade to faith but represents a theological vision for modern evangelization.

• “We’re trying to speak the language of today’s generation — beauty, story and digital immersion,” Bartminas wrote in an email response about their approach.
• “When people think of evangelization, they often imagine something out of step with modern life. But the message of faith, hope and love is timeless. We’re just changing the medium.”

Behind the content: HolyDeeds developed The Immersive Faith Project with meticulous attention to doctrinal accuracy while leveraging modern technology.

• The AR/VR-oriented project features 360-degree visual narratives of Jesus, Mary and saints, animated renderings of Psalms, and a curated Art for Peace gallery designed for spiritual contemplation.
• “We consulted biblical scholars, theologians and Vatican historians,” Bartminas explained. “Every pixel is reviewed for doctrinal fidelity before it ever becomes visible in a headset or hologram.”

Why this matters: Pope Leo’s endorsement signals a significant shift in the Catholic Church’s historical approach to technology, embracing digital tools as legitimate vehicles for spiritual experiences.

• Bartminas noted the theological significance of this shift, saying “Pope Leo recognizes that the soul of a person can be stirred just as deeply by a well-crafted digital encounter with scripture as it can by stained glass.”
• The initiative represents a modern continuation of the Church’s traditional role as a patron and steward of transcendent beauty, now extended into digital realms.