Pope extends blessings and good wishes for the development and progress of Rajasthan and India's
Humanisation of digital technology essential to make it a means of serving citizens — Pope Leo XIV
IIAS joins global ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ efforts in the service of humanity
Jaipur, August 2026 : Chief Secretary and President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), Shri V. Srinivas, met Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City on Friday. On the occasion, a 520-member IIAS delegation attended the Special Blessing of Pope Leo XIV. The Pope extended his blessings and good wishes for the development and progress of Rajasthan and India. Describing the meeting as a moment of immense pride, Shri Srinivas highlighted the significance of IIAS joining the Pope’s global ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ efforts in the service of humanity.
Addressing the IIAS members, Pope Leo XIV emphasised the need to place people at the centre of technological advancement. He said that digital technologies must be humanised to ensure that they serve citizens and contribute to the larger public good. Underscoring the importance of a human-centric approach to governance and technology, the Pope stressed that the well-being of the human family must always take precedence over private interests.
The Pope emphasised the need to safeguard human interests and ensure the balanced and responsible use of artificial intelligence and rapidly evolving digital technologies. He said that given the pace at which AI is developing, it is essential to ensure that technology serves humanity and that humanity does not become a victim of its own inventions. He also expressed concern over entrusting important decisions concerning human life to machines. He underscored the utmost importance and irreplaceable nature of human intelligence.
Pope Leo XIV also emphasised the need to develop an effective ethical framework for the human-centred use of digital technologies. He encouraged IIAS to continue its research in this direction so that digital technologies in public administration may serve life and peace. Appreciating the efforts of IIAS, he extended his good wishes to its members to continue this important mission with determination.
It is noteworthy that Shri Srinivas was elected the first Indian President of IIAS in June 2025. He delivered the IIAS Presidential Address at the 51st European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) Annual Conference, held at Sapienza University of Rome. His meeting with the Pope in Vatican City on the concluding day of the conference marked a special and memorable chapter of his visit to Rome.
