POPE LEO XIV WARNS AI MUST NOT UNDERMINE HUMAN DIGNITY

 Pope Leo XIV has warned against allowing artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to weaken human dignity and change society without adequate ethical safeguards.

The Pope issued the warning on Friday during his visit to France, where he addressed French President Emmanuel Macron and other officials at the Élysée Palace in Paris. He cautioned against what he described as a “paradise of machines” that could condition people’s daily lives.

Leo said there was an urgent need to educate people in ethical discernment so they could recognise the moral consequences of technological developments. He argued that scientific progress should remain focused on serving humanity rather than being driven solely by efficiency or profit.

The Pope has made artificial intelligence a major issue during his papacy. In a message delivered earlier this week at an international AI conference in Rome, he called for technological development to be guided by wisdom and charity and directed towards protecting human dignity and strengthening peace.

He also highlighted potential risks associated with AI, including surveillance, manipulation and discrimination, while stressing the importance of human oversight.

Leo’s latest comments came at the beginning of his four-day visit to France, where he is expected to attend religious events and meet young people and other groups.