Pope Leo Warns AI Risks Threaten International Peace

Pope Leo renewed warnings on September 24 regarding the potential for an artificial intelligence-driven apocalypse during a meeting with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican. He stated that while AI can benefit humanity, it introduces new dangers to security and international peace, specifically citing the risk of autonomous weapons systems in conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

AI oversight has become a central theme of the Pope's 16-month papacy. In May, he issued an encyclical calling for global rules to prevent misinformation and unending war. Vatican diplomat Cardinal Pietro Parolin echoed these concerns in Rome, asserting that the future of humanity is at stake.

To address these risks, the Vatican maintains ongoing dialogue with AI firms. Additionally, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recently created an AI taskforce following meetings with industry executives on September 16. Pope Leo is scheduled to continue his advocacy on September 25 at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.