Pope Leo XIV has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies could threaten humanity by raising fundamental questions about what it means to be human.
Speaking during his visit to France on Friday, the pope described AI as a potential “paradise of machines” and called for greater ethical education to ensure that technology remains under human control.
“If we are to avoid losing our humanity amid a paradise of machines invading and conditioning our daily lives, there is an urgent need for education in ethical discernment,” Pope Leo said during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and officials at the Elysee Palace.
He also cautioned that scientific progress should not become driven solely by profit, particularly in areas involving genetic manipulation, surrogacy, human organ trade and assisted dying.
Pope Leo has repeatedly identified AI as one of the major challenges facing humanity since the beginning of his papacy. He has called for stronger regulation of the technology and urged developers to ensure that AI serves the common good.
He said he was encouraged by discussions with AI developers and expressed hope that technology companies would continue working with the Vatican to ensure AI does not displace or ultimately harm humanity.
The pope also reaffirmed the Vatican’s opposition to nuclear weapons, describing the doctrine of nuclear deterrence as mistaken and warning that it could contribute to a new arms race.
Pope Leo’s four-day visit is the first official papal visit to France in 18 years. Thousands of people gathered in Paris to welcome him, with the Vatican estimating that about 300,000 people turned out to see the pontiff on Friday.
During a prayer vigil at the Stade de France, the pope addressed young people gathered for the event and described them as the “saints of France.”
Tags
World News