For months now, something odd has happened when some internet users ask ChatGPT, the ubiquitous artificial intelligence tool from OpenAI, about Pope Leo XIV. “It looks like there might be a bit of confusion with the name, as there has never been a Pope Leo XIV. However, there have been several popes named Leo in history,” the chatbot replied to a query made on October 31st. Not all ChatGPT users are experiencing this phenomenon, so if you go to ChatGPT right now and ask, “Who is the pope?” it may well give you the correct answer. To put it mildly, though, it’s hit or miss. So … sedevacantist conspiracy in Silicon Valley? No, but it’s clear the election of the first American pope took everyone by surprise, even the robots.
