2 hrs ago
Pope Leo Places AI Apocalypse Risks at Heart of Papacy
Pope Leo is worried that artificial intelligence could create serious problems for people and societies.
He says AI might spread false information and make conflicts worse.
He has also warned about computer-controlled weapons that people may not be able to control properly.
Vatican officials want countries to create shared rules for AI.
They say no single country can handle the problem alone.
The Vatican began discussing AI dangers publicly in 2019.
Pope Leo first spoke about the issue publicly just three days after becoming pope.
Technology companies have also recently warned about powerful AI systems.
The pope is expected to discuss these concerns at UNESCO in Paris on Friday.
Pope Leo has repeatedly warned that artificial intelligence could spread misinformation, fuel conflict and contribute to unending war.
He is expected to address AI risks again Friday at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Vatican officials are calling for international rules, saying countries cannot regulate the technology independently.
Leo has urged particular oversight of AI-enabled weapons, which he says may be beyond meaningful human control.
The Vatican has warned about AI since 2019 and previously worked with technology and international organizations on responsible development.
- Who
- Pope Leo, Vatican officials including Rev. Paolo Benanti and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and leaders of artificial-intelligence companies.
- What
- They are warning about AI’s potential social, military and political dangers and calling for international regulation.
- Where
- The expected speech is at UNESCO headquarters in Paris; related Vatican discussions have taken place in Rome and elsewhere.
- When
- Pope Leo has raised the issue throughout his 16-month-old papacy; he is expected to speak about it again Friday.
- Why
- Officials say AI could spread misinformation, intensify conflict, undermine social cohesion and enable weapons that are difficult for humans to control.
Key facts
- Papal focus
- Pope Leo has made AI risks a major concern of his papacy.
- Expected speech
- Leo is expected to address AI on Friday at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
- International regulation
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin said countries cannot regulate AI by acting alone.
- Weapons concern
- Leo has urged oversight of AI-enabled weapons and said such systems may be beyond meaningful human control.
- Vatican warnings
- The Vatican held two conferences on AI risks in 2019.
- Earlier cooperation
- In 2020, the Vatican worked with Microsoft, IBM, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Italian government on responsible AI development.
- U.S. bishops
- The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops announced an AI task force on September 16.
Quotes
United States bishops’ conference
National conference of Catholic bishops in the United States
“The dialogue focused on ways to keep any system of artificial intelligence at the service of humanity and the urgent need to address the real and present dangers such technology presents”
firstpost.com
“The transformative power of AI ... could produce a magnitude of societal changes that are very hard to predict”
firstpost.com
Sources
Related news
AI Leaders Warn UN of Security Risks and Controls
King Charles Warns AI Executives About Existential Technology Risks
AI Leaders Urge UN Safeguards as US Rejects Global Controls
King Charles Warns AI Leaders to Establish Safeguards
UN Rights Chief Warns Advanced AI Could Threaten Humanity
Naidu Lays Foundation For LV Prasad Eye Institute In Amaravati
AMD Reaches $1 Trillion as Lisa Su Drives AI Expansion
Azim Premji Quote Urges Faster Bold Decisions Under Pressure
SEMICON India 2026 Showcases India’s Push for Resilient Chip Ecosystem
