VATICAN CITY, May 27: Pope Leo XIV has issued one of the strongest global warnings yet on the risks associated with artificial intelligence, calling for urgent international regulations to ensure AI technologies remain under human control.
In a sweeping papal encyclical exceeding 42,000 words, the Pope emphasized that artificial intelligence is already reshaping warfare, education, labor markets, and human decision-making processes.
The Vatican document urged governments worldwide to establish safeguards preventing AI systems from independently making life-and-death decisions, especially in military operations involving autonomous weapons.
Pope Leo warned that uncontrolled technological development could threaten human dignity, employment, privacy, and social stability if ethical considerations are ignored.
The encyclical also highlighted the growing impact of AI-generated misinformation and deepfake technology on democratic institutions and public trust. The Vatican stressed that truth and human accountability must remain central in the digital age.
The document was presented alongside leading AI researchers and technology experts, signaling the Church’s increasing engagement with emerging technologies and their social consequences.
Global reactions to the Vatican’s position were mixed. Several governments and technology leaders welcomed the call for ethical AI frameworks, while some industry representatives cautioned against overregulation that could slow innovation.
The Pope also addressed concerns about the economic impact of automation, urging governments to invest in worker retraining programs and educational reforms to prepare societies for rapid technological change.
Child safety, digital addiction, surveillance risks, and algorithmic bias were among other major concerns highlighted in the Vatican statement.
International policy discussions on AI regulation have intensified in recent months as countries compete for technological leadership while attempting to manage security and ethical risks associated with advanced AI systems.
Experts believe the Vatican’s intervention could influence ongoing global debates on AI governance and encourage stronger international cooperation on technology standards.
The Pope concluded by stating that artificial intelligence should remain a tool serving humanity rather than becoming a force capable of overriding human moral responsibility.