⚠️ Pope Leo XIV identifies AI as major concern

Also: AI gives voice to the Deceased in Court

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Evolving AI
May 12, 2025

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Welcome, AI enthusiasts

Pope Leo XIV has held his first meeting with the world’s cardinals since his election as the head of the Catholic Church, identifying AI as one of the most crucial issues facing humanity. Let’s dive in! 

In today’s insights:

  • Pope Leo XIV identifies AI as major concern

  • AI gives voice to the Deceased in Court

  • Claude API Now Integrates Web Search

Read time: 4 minutes

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Evolving AI: The newly elected Pope Leo XIV says artificial intelligence influenced his choice of name, linking today’s AI revolution to the industrial era of Pope Leo XIII.

Key Points:

  • Pope Leo XIV drew a parallel between AI and the first industrial revolution.

  • He named AI as a core reason for choosing his papal title.

  • The Catholic Church has been vocal about AI’s ethical risks in recent years.

Details:

In his first speech to the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV said he chose his name in reference to Pope Leo XIII, who led the church during the rise of the industrial revolution. The new pope said today’s equivalent challenge is artificial intelligence. The Vatican’s official translation quoted him saying that AI, like past revolutions, raises urgent questions about human dignity, justice, and labor. This builds on prior statements by the Church, including Pope Francis’ warning that AI could create believable but false narratives. A January document further outlined Catholic concerns about AI’s impact on ethics, truth, and society.

Why It Matters:

The last time a Pope named Leo stepped into history, the world was bracing for machines that would reshape cities, economies, and the meaning of work. By invoking that legacy, Leo XIV is saying we’re at a similar crossroads — where algorithms, not steam engines, will test our values. The Church isn’t just acknowledging AI; it’s anchoring it in a centuries-long struggle over what progress should serve.

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Evolving AI: A grieving sister used AI to generate a courtroom message from her slain brother — a first in U.S. legal history.

Key Points:

  • Stacey Wales created an AI video of her late brother to deliver a victim impact statement during sentencing.

  • The video showed a realistic avatar of Christopher Pelkey, thanking loved ones and forgiving his killer.

  • Experts say it’s likely the first time AI was used this way in court — and the judge welcomed it.

Details:

After struggling to write her own words, Wales turned to AI to recreate her brother’s voice and face. With help from her husband, she crafted a four-minute message that played during the sentencing hearing. In it, the avatar of Pelkey acknowledged the tragedy, forgave the shooter, and gave a heartfelt farewell. Wales said the process was deeply emotional but helped her heal. The judge praised the family’s choice to let “Chris speak from his heart.” The shooter was sentenced to 10.5 years. Legal experts say it raises new questions but agree the video was respectful, sincere, and likely within bounds.

Why It Matters:

A recreated voice speaking in court is hard to ignore. Some heard a sister honoring her brother in the most personal way possible — letting him speak when she couldn’t. The video is sincere and carefully made, but it still leaves people unsure. It brings comfort to the family, discomfort to others, and raises a question no one expected to face this soon.

Source: Figma

Evolving AI: Figma adds AI tools for designing websites, apps, and marketing content.

Key Points:

  • Figma Sites lets users generate and edit full websites with AI, including animations and CMS.

  • Figma Make helps teams create and test app prototypes using prompts and code.

  • Figma Buzz automates asset creation for marketers, plus there's a new tool for advanced vector editing.

Details:

Figma is moving beyond design mockups. Sites can now be built and managed directly inside Figma, including interactive elements and blog content. With Make, teams can prototype full apps by describing them. Marketers get new tools to bulk-generate assets and visuals, while designers can now work with advanced vector tools inside Figma. These updates are part of a new content seat plan at $8/month.

Why It Matters:

Figma’s shift shows how design tools are turning into full platforms. It’s not just about helping creatives work faster — it’s about owning the space where websites, apps, and campaigns actually get made. As more companies fight to keep users inside their ecosystem, the race isn’t just about good design. It’s about total control of creation.

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