Father Charles Sikorsky, president of Divine Mercy University in Sterling, Virginia, warned on September 5, 2026, that the pervasive presence of artificial intelligence (AI) is contributing to a mental health crisis affecting both adults and children. His comments were made during a dialogue series at the St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, coinciding with the upcoming Mental Health Sunday on October 11, organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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In discussing Pope Leo XIV's encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas," Father Sikorsky emphasized its relevance to mental health. He noted that the encyclical poses critical questions about human identity and the human experience in the context of technological advancement. According to him, the identity crisis prevalent in society today is exacerbated by globalization, migration, declining religious observance, broken families, and job instability, with AI acting as a catalyst for individuals seeking external validation.

Father Sikorsky highlighted the encyclical's assertion that human dignity is not tied to one's abilities or material status but is an inherent gift from God. He pointed out that AI can disrupt interpersonal connections, intensifying loneliness in a world already facing a significant loneliness epidemic.

Citing a 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, he noted that loneliness can increase the risk of premature death comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Additionally, a 2024 report from Harvard indicated that 29% of individuals aged 30-44 felt frequently or always lonely. Father Sikorsky referenced St. John Paul II’s assertion from his 1979 encyclical "Redemptor Hominis" that human beings cannot live without love, emphasizing that AI cannot fill this void.

Despite the appeal of AI chatbots, Father Sikorsky urged a focus on strong community bonds and proper education regarding AI's effects on mental health. He emphasized that while AI might aid in self-reflection, it lacks the capacity to provide moral guidance or define life’s purpose.

Father Sikorsky concluded that addressing the mental health crisis necessitates a return to faith and community, emphasizing that true identity and belonging are found within the Church, which offers the tools to navigate loneliness and existential questions.

Kimberley Heatherington is an OSV News correspondent. She writes from Virginia.