AI and the pulpit: Pope Leo XIV is warning clergy not to let AI write homilies, stressing that only humans can truly “share faith,” as Vatican-linked experts discuss how communication should build communion, not automation. AI regulation at the G7: France’s Macron urged wealthy democracies to coordinate AI guardrails, while US tensions with Anthropic and a push for an international safety forum show how geopolitics is shaping AI governance. Rare earth mining debate: The Inter-American Development Bank’s Ilan Goldfajn met the pope to argue that rare-earth extraction could power the tech boom—if safeguards and local value are built in—amid the Vatican’s divestment stance. Travel tech and Vatican exemptions: Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing airport delays, but Vatican City State/ Holy See passports are listed among exemptions that may help travelers avoid queues. Pavia civic message: During a pastoral visit, Pope Leo told residents the city is “both a gift and a task,” calling for shared responsibility and active civic participation. Catholic media and truth: A Vatican message to an Italian outlet frames 2026 media as a duty to protect truth and unity, using technology without surrendering to polarization. Catholic faith interest study: A US survey of adult faith formation finds growing interest driven by truth, purpose, and community rather than politics.