The newly appointed Pope Leo XIV identified the artificial intelligence (AI) as one of humanity's most pressing challenges in his first big speech, continuing his predecessor's focus on the ethical implications of technology.
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Details of what Pope Leo XIV said
- The first American Pope highlighted AI as a factor that poses “new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and work.”
- He also drew parallels between the AI and Industrial revolutions, arguing that the Church must lead in confronting AI threats to workers and human dignity.
- His stance follows Pope Francis' calls for an international treaty on AI and warnings about autonomous weapons systems.
Why is it important
The Vatican’s continued concerns about AI show that the advancement of technology is moving from niche technical discussions to the center of global concerns (and politics, as we’ve seen over the past week). With more than 1 billion Catholics worldwide, the Pope’s voice can play an important role in shaping both discourse and policy on AI.
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