High Level MEETING:

The Dignity of Children and Adolescents in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

November 12, 2025 – PALAZZO DELLA CANCELLARIA, Rome

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming contemporary social and cultural dynamics, reshaping the educational, communicative, and relational processes that involve younger generations. In this context of change, safeguarding the dignity and rights of children and adolescents stands as a fundamental responsibility for the international community.

Following the Magisterium of Pope Francis, continued by Pope Leo XIV, and inspired by the principles of an innovation ethics centered on the human person, Foundazione Child and the Child Dignity Alliance organised an International High Level Meeting on Artificial Intelligence and the Dignity of Minors, held at the Palazzo della Cancellaria in Rome on November 12, 2025.

The meeting sought to:

examine the ethical, legal, social, and anthropological implications of Artificial Intelligence on minors;
foster interdisciplinary dialogue among representatives from academic, institutional, religious, scientific, and technological fields;
provide meaningful contributions to the drafting of the forthcoming Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence;
promote a humanistic digital culture based on respect for dignity and personal freedom, countering all forms of cognitive homogenization and technological subordination.

The meeting was attended by over 140 participants and was an international gathering to reflect together on how innovation can remain at the service of humanity — and not the other way around.

November 13, 2025 - APOSTOLIC PALACE, VATICAN

At the 12 November meeting, a declaration of intent was signed reaffirming every child’s right to live, grow, and dream in safety. The document, which calls on governments, institutions, companies, and citizens to jointly build a new human pact for the digital era based on the dignity and protection of the youngest, was presented on November 13 2025 to Pope Leo XIV, who received the conference participants in an audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

The manifesto is structured around six pillars of action:

Protection and Safety: Prevent all forms of abuse and exploitation of children online and through artificial intelligence.
Education and Empowerment: Promote digital and emotional awareness among children, parents, and educators.
Ethical and Transparent Technology: Support AI grounded in human values such as responsibility, fairness, and compassion.
Global Governance and Accountability: Strengthen international cooperation and the protection of children’s rights.
Research and Innovation for Good: Direct technology toward the well-being, health, inclusion, and education of children.
Interreligious and Intergenerational Solidarity: Unite the voices of different faiths and generations in a shared moral commitment.