AI & Creativity Clash: Pope Leo XIV told artists at the Vatican that “algorithms lack the spark of humanity,” insisting there’s an “ontological difference” between human art and machine output, and calling for a renewed alliance with artists and cultural institutions to safeguard the human element. Vatican Culture & Knowledge: The Vatican opened an exhibition on preserving knowledge, tracing how the Holy See has protected books and manuscripts from physical threats since the printing press era. Church in the Arts Spotlight: Bishop Robert E. Barron ordained 18 deacons in St. Peter’s Basilica (including two from Richmond) and met Pope Leo XIV, while a new animated Catholic kids’ show starring “Bishop Frank” aims to bring faith to children shaped by digital media. Art, Faith, and the Human Heart: Leo XIV also framed art as the voice of the human heart’s restlessness, saying it helps make spiritual realities accessible. St. Peter’s Leadership Shift: Cardinal Mauro Gambetti was named archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, with St. Peter’s archpriest succession left unnamed for now. Human Stories Beyond Rome: A Vatican audience heard Amazon mercury pollution findings from Wake Forest and CINCIA, linking gold-mining contamination to vulnerable Indigenous communities.