AI and Human Creativity: Pope Leo XIV again drew a hard line between human art and machine-generated output, saying algorithms “lack the spark of humanity” and urging an alliance with artists and cultural institutions to safeguard what is truly human. Tech vs. Religion: The Vatican’s AI stance is now colliding with Silicon Valley as OpenAI’s Sam Altman criticized Anthropic’s push toward AI consciousness and religion, while reports say Anthropic leaders weighed whether to pull back from Leo’s AI encyclical launch. Vatican Diplomacy in Wartime: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s mission to Russia focused on prisoners, missing persons, and the return of children, underscoring the Holy See’s humanitarian channel amid the Ukraine war. Church Leadership Update: Pope Leo named Cardinal Mauro Gambetti archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, while not immediately naming a successor as archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. Formation and Ministry: Bishop Robert Barron ordained 18 deacons in St. Peter’s Basilica and met the Pope, highlighting the Church’s ongoing push for Gospel-centered preaching. Culture and Faith: The Vatican opened an exhibition on preserving knowledge, tying the Church’s long library tradition to today’s preservation challenges.