VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo on Monday urged world governments to slow the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and introduce strict regulations to control its development, warning that unchecked AI systems could fuel misinformation, deepen conflicts and push the world toward continuous instability and war.
In his first major official document as pope, the American-born pontiff raised concerns about the growing influence of advanced AI technologies and their impact on global peace and human decision-making. He cautioned that many AI systems are being designed in ways that prioritise conflict, manipulation and division rather than public welfare.
Speaking at a Vatican event held to launch the document, Pope Leo also warned about the rise of autonomous weapons systems, saying some technologies had evolved “practically beyond any human reach to govern them.”
The gathering was attended by technology experts and religious leaders, including Chris Olah, co-founder of leading artificial intelligence company Anthropic, as discussions focused on the ethical and security risks linked to AI development.
