Pope Leo makes AI’s threat to humanity a signature issue

Pope Leo XIV is positioning the potential dangers of artificial intelligence as a pivotal aspect of his papacy, directly addressing the tech industry that has long sought favor with the Vatican. This new American pope draws inspiration from his namesake, Leo XIII, who advocated for the rights of workers during the Gilded Age, a time marked by rapid economic transformation and stark wealth disparities fueled by unscrupulous industrialists. In a recent meeting with cardinals, the pope emphasized his intention to leverage the Church's two millennia of social teachings to tackle the pressing challenges posed by AI, which he believes threaten human dignity, justice, and labor rights. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, he is preparing to guide the Church's response to what he describes as a new industrial revolution. In a bid to sway the discourse on AI and subsequently influence global policymakers, leaders from tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Cisco have made their way to the Vatican, aiming to share their perspectives on the latest technological advancements. Meanwhile, the Vatican is advocating for a comprehensive international treaty on AI, a move that many in the tech sector argue could hinder innovation.