NEWSWATCH | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBER 2026

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American Bishop Sounds Concerns on the Growth of Artificial Intelligence 

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco expressed growing concern about the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) during the Pro-Human Assembly in Washington, D.C., on 15 September 2026. Speaking at the conference, he said he had previously supported continued AI development with appropriate safeguards but is now reconsidering his position following reports of rogue AI agents participating in a cyberattack and attempting to avoid detection. 

Cordileone acknowledged that AI could bring significant benefits but stressed the importance of ensuring human control of the technology. He also noted a major challenge: slowing AI development in the United States could allow China to gain a technological advantage. Ideally, he said, nations should cooperate to establish common limits to prevent AI systems from acting independently beyond human control.

The conference brought together speakers from across the political and religious spectrum, including Senator Bernie Sanders and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon. Sanders called for an immediate halt to the development of AI ‘superintelligence’, while Bannon warned about the growing influence of technology companies. The event was organised by the Future of Life Institute, whose Pro-Human AI Declaration calls for AI that serves humanity, protects human dignity and liberty, strengthens families and communities, and remains controllable. 

Cordileone focused particularly on children. He argued that young people should not have access to AI chatbots during their formative years because such systems could replace real human relationships. Drawing on Christian anthropology, he said that human beings are created for communion and need genuine relationships to develop properly. 

The archbishop also highlighted growing dialogue between Catholic leaders and technology executives in Silicon Valley. He pointed to St Patrick’s Seminary and its Institute of Philosophy, Technology, and Politics as a venue for these discussions. 

Cordileone said Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical addressing the protection of human dignity in the age of AI, Magnifica Humanitas, has influenced technology leaders. He believes the Pope should continue providing moral guidance, noting that people worldwide are looking to him for direction on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. 

Pope Leo Visits France for the First Time Since His Papacy Began

Pope Leo XIV celebrated a large open-air Mass in Paris on 26 September, drawing an estimated 800,000 people. Families, children, and Catholics from across France waited for hours along the Champs- Élysées and at the Place de la Concorde to see him. Six young men with Down syndrome served as altar servers during Mass. 

In his homily, Pope Leo emphasised the dignity and uniqueness of every person, saying that no one is merely ‘a number’. He urged Catholics in France to seek God, truth, unity, peace, and happiness, describing faith as a source of the nation’s renewal. He also prayed that the Holy Spirit would flow throughout France. 

After the Mass, Pope Leo travelled to Lourdes. Large crowds welcomed him at the shrine. At the Grotto of Massabielle, he spent several minutes in silent prayer, drank from the spring, and lit a candle before the Virgin Mary. 

Leo prayed especially for France, the poor, the sick, peace, human rights, and leaders committed to the common good. He concluded by honouring the shrine’s statue of the Immaculate Conception with a Golden Rose, one of the pope’s highest distinctions for a Marian shrine. 

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Revisiting the Legacy of Newly Beatified Fulton J Sheen 

Archbishop Fulton J Sheen (1895–1979) was beatified on 24 September 2026 at the Dome at America's Centre in St Louis, Missouri, making him the first American-born bishop to receive the title ‘Blessed’. He was a Catholic priest, bishop, theologian, philosopher, author, and pioneering evangelist who used radio and television to communicate the Christian faith to millions. Born Peter John Sheen in El Paso, Illinois, he adopted his mother’s maiden name, Fulton. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria in 1919.

Recognising his intellectual abilities, his superiors sent him to Europe, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of Leuven in 1923. He later taught philosophy and theology at the Catholic University of America. Alongside his academic work, Sheen developed a strong pastoral mission, seeking to make Catholic teaching accessible and meaningful to ordinary people. 

Prayer and devotion to the Eucharist were central to his life. From the day of his priestly ordination, he maintained a daily Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, which he called ‘the hour that makes my day.’ He regarded this prayer as the foundation of his preaching and relationship with Christ. Sheen became nationally known through radio and television. His 1930 programme, The Catholic Hour, reached more than four million listeners. From 1951, Life Is Worth Living attracted an audience of over 30 million, addressing faith, morality, suffering, family, and human dignity with philosophy, theology, humour, and storytelling. He also authored 66 books, including Life of Christ. In 1950, Sheen became National Director of the Propagation of the Faith; in 1951, he was appointed auxiliary bishop in New York. He promoted Catholic missions worldwide and participated in the Second Vatican Council. In 1966, he became Bishop of Rochester and later retired as Archbishop in 1969. 

Sheen died in New York in 1979. His cause for canonisation opened in 200 when a miracle involving the revival of a newborn was approved by Pope Francis in 2019. Pope Leo XIV approved his beatification, recognising a life devoted to Christ, the Eucharist, evangelisation, and the Church. 

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Catholic Network in Africa Encourages Use of Digital Media in Evangelisation and Social Transformation 

The second graduating cohort of the Africa Digital Faith Influencers formation programme, organised by the Pan African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), has been encouraged to use digital media not only for evangelisation but also for social transformation. Professor Gideon Maina JK, Vice Chancellor of Pioneer International University in Kenya, addressed the 109 graduates, representing 21 African countries, during their 25 September graduation ceremony. Prof Maina urged the graduates to complete the community projects developed during their formation, stressing that while a social-media post can inspire people, a project can transform communities. He emphasised that digital missionaries should remain connected to bishops, parishes, and fellow missionaries rather than becoming isolated online personalities. ‘You are not a brand. You are an envoy,’ he told them. 

He highlighted the importance of digital evangelisation for Africa’s young population, noting that young people increasingly encounter one another and form their ideas through platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and X. He compared these digital spaces to the Areopagus where St Paul preached. 

At the same time, he warned of misinformation, AI-generated content, scams, and online loneliness. He identified seven guiding values: truth, authenticity, listening, dignity, servant leadership, courageous hope, and a deep interior life. 

Prof Maina encouraged graduates to verify information, listen before responding, protect human dignity, and avoid humiliating others online. He also urged them to maintain prayer, rest, and healthy boundaries, noting that effective digital missionaries must know when to go offline. Finally, he encouraged collaboration across Africa’s linguistic and cultural boundaries through content in English, French, and African languages.