As social media deepens isolation and artificial intelligence starts shaping our online experiences, the U.S. Catholic Church is renewing its call to confront one of society’s most pressing spiritual and cultural battles: pornography.
In a new introduction to a major Church document released ten years ago, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is urging families, leaders, and communities to come together with compassion and courage in the face of a challenge that’s only grown more complex.
A Message of Hope for a Hurting World
The updated document, titled Create in Me a Pure Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography, reaffirms the Church’s commitment to healing and restoration.
Drawing from the image of the Church as a “field hospital,” it presents the issue not as one of shame and judgment, but as a deeply human wound in need of mercy, truth, and grace.
At the heart of this message is a renewed call to chastity—a virtue the bishops say applies to everyone, no matter their age, vocation, or walk of life.
And with compassion, they frame pornography not just as a moral wrong but as a “deceptive substitute for real relationship” that ultimately harms both the individual and society.
A Culture of Isolation Fuels the Crisis
The bishops directly link the rise in pornography consumption to a growing epidemic of loneliness.
In their words, today’s society—already steeped in individualism—has seen that isolation deepen due to the widespread use of social media and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They reference Scripture’s timeless truth—“It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18)—to emphasize that humans are wired for connection, not artificial or distorted versions of intimacy.
The Industry Is Getting Smarter—and More Dangerous
Over the past decade, the bishops note, the porn industry has become even more aggressive in the way it targets users—especially young ones.
Reports show that people often don’t go searching for porn; instead, it finds them.
With algorithms designed to hook viewers and lure them into addiction, especially through video-heavy platforms, many users are pulled in before they even realize what’s happening.
Some platforms go even further—using peer pressure and the promise of quick money to encourage people, even minors, to create and share their own explicit content.
Alarmingly, some sites have even chosen to shut down rather than comply with laws requiring age verification.
The Rise of Deepfakes and AI-Driven Pornography
Perhaps the most disturbing development is the rise of generative AI in porn.
The bishops warn that these tools can now fabricate highly realistic pornographic images using real people’s faces—often without their consent.
These deepfakes not only invade privacy but warp viewers’ expectations about love, bodies, and relationships.
The result? A deeper disconnection from reality and a growing difficulty in forming meaningful, loving bonds.
A Holistic Approach to Healing and Prevention
The bishops don’t stop at diagnosing the problem—they offer guidance for healing.
To individuals who struggle with porn, they encourage turning to the sacrament of confession, cultivating chastity, and seeking support through counseling or recovery groups.
They also recommend using tech tools like filters and accountability software.
For families, especially parents, the advice is practical and heartfelt: talk openly with children about sexuality and dignity, delay smartphone use where possible, foster healthy offline activities, and use digital filters.
Parents are urged to be role models in how they engage with technology themselves.
The Role of the Church: Lead with Compassion and Truth
Clergy and lay leaders are also called to step up by preaching about chastity, offering pastoral care, and becoming familiar with resources that can help individuals heal.
Making confession readily available and referring people to trusted counselors are essential parts of the Church’s mission in this space.
Educators, too, have a role to play. The bishops suggest banning mobile phones in schools except for emergencies, teaching students about the dangers of porn as early as middle school, and adopting curricula such as Theology of the Body that present a beautiful vision of human dignity and sexuality.
What Civic Leaders Can—and Should—Do
Turning to lawmakers and public officials, the bishops push for stronger protections online.
That includes implementing and enforcing age verification laws, taking action against the development of AI-generated porn, and holding social media companies accountable.
Above all, they urge society to reaffirm the importance of family as the foundational institution and to empower parents with the tools they need to protect their children online.
Accountability in Both the Church and the World
The updated preface also includes a sobering reminder: true healing can only begin when there is transparency and accountability—not only in society but also within the Church itself.
The bishops emphasize that those who exploit the vulnerable must face consequences, and that repentance is essential for healing.
Quoting Jesus’ merciful yet firm words—“Neither do I condemn you.
Go, from now on do not sin any more” (John 8:11)—the bishops close with a call for conversion, hope, and love rooted in truth.