Top Priority for Pope Leo: Warn the World of the A.I. Threat

In recent years, the Vatican has increasingly engaged in discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing its potential benefits and the ethical challenges it presents. Pope Francis has been at the forefront of this dialogue, advocating for responsible development and use of AI technologies.

In December 2023, Pope Francis called for a binding international treaty to regulate AI, highlighting the need to prevent harmful practices and encourage best practices. He expressed concerns about AI’s potential risks, including its capacity to pose threats to human dignity and the environment. The Pope emphasized that AI should serve humanity’s best interests and not compete against them. (washingtonpost.com)

In January 2025, the Vatican released a doctrinal note titled “Antiqua et Nova,” co-issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education. This document addresses the relationship between AI and human intelligence, offering reflections on the anthropological and ethical challenges raised by AI. It underscores the importance of human responsibility in guiding AI’s development to ensure it aligns with human dignity and the common good. (en.wikipedia.org)

Furthermore, in February 2025, Pope Francis participated in the “Artificial Intelligence Action Summit” in Paris, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his message to the summit, the Pope emphasized the necessity of human control over AI programs to prevent potential threats to human dignity. He stated that, without proper oversight, AI could reveal its most “fearsome” side. (ncronline.org)

These initiatives reflect the Vatican’s proactive approach to AI, aiming to ensure that technological advancements contribute positively to society while safeguarding fundamental human values. The Church’s involvement underscores the importance of ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI technologies.