Archive · 24 Sep 2026
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.
- When
- Pope Leo has raised the issue throughout his 16-month-old papacy; he is expected to speak about it again Friday.
- Where
- The expected speech is at UNESCO headquarters in Paris; related Vatican discussions have taken place in Rome and elsewhere.
- Why
- Officials say AI could spread misinformation, intensify conflict, undermine social cohesion and enable weapons that are difficult for humans to control.
- 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.