For Pope Leo, the risk of an AI apocalypse is a major concern
QQQ•Pope Leo renewed warnings about AI risks and urged global leaders to govern the technology wisely. The Vatican has called for global rules, while the US bishops’ conference created an AI taskforce after leaders met with executives.
1. Pope renews warnings
Pope Leo said Thursday that AI can benefit humanity but has introduced “new dangers to security and international peace.” He urged global leaders to “govern wisely” and is expected to address AI again Friday at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.
2. Call for global rules
Leo has made AI risks a key theme of his papacy, warning that AI systems can spread misinformation and prioritize conflict. Cardinal Pietro Parolin said countries cannot “go it alone” and that the future of humanity is at stake without common rules.
3. Focus on weapons
Leo has urged oversight of AI weapons systems, saying in his May document that such weapons have advanced “practically beyond any human reach to govern them.” On September 16, the US bishops’ conference said it had created an AI taskforce after leaders met with executives.
