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Deepfake Scams Target Churchgoers, Warns Father Mike Schmitz

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Wired report says churchgoers in the United States are victims of deepfake scams in which AI-generated videos of pastors solicit money for blessings or church trips.
Father Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest with an online following, highlighted the issue by sharing deepfake video examples.
The Pope Leo XIV has expressed concerns about AI's impact on human dignity and justice, urging churchgoers to remain skeptical of online messages from pastors.

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Story summary

A Wired report says churchgoers in the United States are victims of deepfake scams in which AI-generated videos of pastors solicit money for blessings or church trips.
Father Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest with an online following, highlighted the issue by sharing deepfake video examples.
The Pope Leo XIV has expressed concerns about AI's impact on human dignity and justice, urging churchgoers to remain skeptical of online messages from pastors.