Pope Leo Says AI Risks Should Not Be Ignored
Pope Leo XIV says concerns about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence should be taken seriously, warning that simply assuming the technology will not cause harm is not a responsible approach.
Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane after his visit to France, Leo said he is not panicking about the future of AI, but believes warnings from experts deserve attention.
“If someone were to ask me, am I in panic mode? No, I’m not. I sleep at night,” Leo said.
He added that he does not believe concerns raised by AI experts are “fake news”, saying they should be taken seriously.
Leo also pointed to the debate over safeguards that could limit what AI systems are able to do, referring to comments by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang about putting guardrails on AI.
“We need to continue to invite political leaders, the leaders of AI, social organizations, associations to come together and look at what is happening already and what could be put down the road,” he said.
Leo said simply closing one’s eyes to possible risks and saying “it’s not gonna happen” would not be the most responsible approach.
He also revealed that the Vatican has established its own commission on artificial intelligence.
The comments add to Leo’s growing focus on AI since becoming pope, including his first encyclical in May, which focused on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence.