Pope Francis has become a recurring subject in the world of AI-generated images. A genuine photo of him, taken by Fabrizio Maffei, contrasts with the many AI-created images circulating online. One such image making the rounds on social media shows Pope Francis in a humorous light, juxtaposed with pop singer Madonna. This image, given the Catholic Church’s celibacy rules for clergy, is certainly provocative.
The use of AI to create deepfakes is not new, and Pope Francis has been a frequent target. In March 2023, an AI tool called Midjourney depicted him as a fashion icon, donning a long white puffer jacket. Other deepfakes have shown him wrapped in a Pride flag, which were used for anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda online. But why is the Pope such a common subject for these AI-generated images?
According to artist Rickdick, who created the Madonna-Pope deepfake, the Pope is a popular subject because of his public persona. “My goal is to make people think and, if possible, smile,” Rickdick explained to The Guardian. “I enjoy using public figures, objects, fashion, and events to provoke thought by mixing the absurd with the unconventional.”
There are several reasons the Pope is an easy target for deepfakes. As a public figure, there are numerous videos, photos, and voice recordings of him available online. AI models like Midjourney are trained on these publicly accessible data, making the generated images of the Pope highly accurate. Sam Stockwell, a researcher at the Alan Turing Institute, stated that because AI models are often trained indiscriminately on such data, it’s easier for these models to replicate the facial features and appearance of individuals like the Pope, who have a significant digital presence.
Pope Francis himself has commented on the impact of AI-generated images. In a speech in January 2024, he warned about the influence these images can have: “Fake news can now work with deepfakes, creating and spreading images that appear completely plausible but are false. I have also been affected by this.” In the summer of 2023, the Vatican released guidelines for the ethical use of AI.
The rise of deepfakes has sparked discussions about authenticity and misinformation. Various tools have been developed to detect AI-generated media, such as the Deepfake-o-Meter. The challenge of distinguishing real from fake images is growing, with technology advancing rapidly. Celebrities and public figures are often the subjects of these deepfakes, raising concerns about privacy and consent.
The issue of deepfakes extends beyond entertainment and into areas like politics and journalism, where the potential for misinformation is significant. As AI technology continues to evolve, the need for ethical guidelines and detection tools becomes increasingly important. The conversation around deepfakes is ongoing, with experts, policymakers, and the public seeking solutions to mitigate the risks associated with these realistic yet deceptive images.
In conclusion, while AI-generated images of Pope Francis and other public figures can be amusing or thought-provoking, they also highlight the broader implications of deepfake technology. As society grapples with these challenges, the importance of responsible AI use and media literacy becomes ever more crucial.