AI-Generated Fake Videos of Catholic Leaders Flood YouTube

A surge of AI-generated fake videos featuring prominent Catholic figures, including Pope Leo, Bishop Robert Barron, Venerable Fulton Sheen, and Father Mike Schmitz, has inundated YouTube in recent months, prompting urgent warnings from the Vatican and Catholic leaders. These fraudulent videos, which are growing more sophisticated by the week, are raising concerns about misinformation and threats to the faithful.

The issue came to light recently when a seemingly heartfelt video of Pope Leo discussing the importance of befriending priests was discovered to be a fake. The Vatican has since issued alerts about the proliferation of such content, emphasizing the need for vigilance among Catholics online.

Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent Catholic speaker, addressed the crisis in a statement released on August 20, 2025, via his YouTube channel. He outlined several ways to discern authentic content from AI-generated fakes, urging viewers to verify sources carefully. “These videos are not just misleading—they can undermine the faith of individuals and families,” Barron warned.

The Vatican has also directed Catholics to rely on official channels for verification. All of Pope Leo’s authentic speeches and sermons are cataloged on the Vatican’s official website (https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en.html). “If it’s not listed there, it’s not from the Pope,” a Vatican spokesperson stated.

These fake videos are seen as violations of the Eighth Commandment, which prohibits bearing false witness. Beyond ethical concerns, they pose a deeper risk by potentially spreading misleading or harmful messages disguised as compassionate teachings. Catholic leaders are calling on the faithful to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of online content before sharing.

As the spread of AI-generated videos accelerates, the Catholic Church is urging its followers to remain grounded in truth and discernment. “Our God is a God of truth,” Bishop Barron emphasized. “We must be careful not to spread lies, even unintentionally.”