Pope Leo warns about growing reliance on algorithms

"Technological development, the spread of mass media and social networks, and the ever-increasing use of artificial intelligence open up new possibilities by breaking down barriers and distances", the US pope said at his weekly general audience in the Vatican.

"On the other hand, relationships tend to become less and less personal and increasingly virtual, and there is a risk of becoming accustomed to delegating to algorithms decisions that belong solely to human conscience," he warned, addressing thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter's Square.