Pope Leo XIV addressed physicians from the Latin Ibero-American and Caribbean Medical Confederation Oct. 2, comparing their relationship with patients to the role of a guardian angel. He also emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot replace physicians’ ability to provide hope and support as caregivers.

The Holy Father began his remarks with the Sign of the Cross and thanking the attendees for their work. He said that the organization to which they belong, which has more than two million members, brings quality health care to every part of the nations they serve.

Pope Leo then reflected on the fact that he was addressing them on the Feast of the Guardian Angels.

“This memorial can help us to reflect on the doctor-patient relationship, which is based on personal contact and health care, just like, one might say, the angels who care for and protect us on our journey through life,” Pope Leo said.

The Pontiff emphasized that communication with patients is key to any good doctor’s work, and spoke of how Saint Augustine called Christ “the physician” because He is the Word made Flesh.

“Certainly, the ‘word’ and the ‘flesh’ are fundamental; dialogue, communication and physical contact must always be present in the therapeutic relationship, beyond the instruments and tools used to treat illnesses,” Pope Leo said.

The Holy Father then turned his attention to the role that large language models (LLMs) and other forms of AI play in medicine. While he recognized that they can and should be used where they can improve care, he cautioned that there are AI-related dangers that must be avoided.

“Nothing can take the place of the doctor, because you are, as Pope Benedict XVI said, ‘reserves of love, who bring serenity and hope to the suffering,’” Pope Leo said. “The algorithm cannot substitute a gesture of closeness or a word of consolation.”

AI has already caused what the Wall Street Journal called “dangerous mistakes” in medical settings. For instance, when used to assist with diagnostics and prognostics, they have made errors, such as misdiagnosing patients or recommending inappropriate care that could put the lives of patients at risk. There have also been rising tensions in some hospitals when AI has overruled the judgements of nurses, according to the Journal.

Pope Leo encouraged his audience to face the many challenges facing doctors today with hope. He then prayed that Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, would accompany them in their work.

“Let us conclude by asking for the Lord’s blessing upon you and all your colleagues,” he said. “That relationship and that possibility of life and hope that you also offer to all your patients, to all the sick, are so important.”