Pope issues artificial intelligence warning at G7 summit

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics, delivered a speech at the G7 High-Level Session on Africa and the Mediterranean/Artificial Intelligence and Energy, which he attended at the invitation of host country Italy on the second day of the G7 Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Pope Francis, who earned the title of the first Pope to attend a G7 Summit by participating in the session, issued a warning regarding artificial intelligence to the leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Stating that leaders have a responsibility to ensure artificial intelligence technology is used for the benefit of humanity, Pope Francis said, "If we deprive people of the ability to make decisions about themselves and their lives, making them dependent on machines, we will condemn humanity to a hopeless future."

Calling on leaders to guide the development of artificial intelligence technology and preserve human dignity, Pope Francis stated, "It is precisely here that we urgently need political action."

CALLED FOR A BAN ON 'KILLER ROBOTS'

Describing artificial intelligence technology as both fascinating and terrifying, Pope Francis warned that this technology could change "the way we perceive our identity as humans."

Stating that artificial intelligence could cement the dominance of Western culture and destroy human dignity, Pope Francis called on leaders to urgently adopt a ban on lethal autonomous weapons, known as "killer robots." Pope Francis said, "A machine should never have the possibility to end a human life."

Addressing the leaders at the session, Pope Francis stated, "Using artificial intelligence well is everyone's responsibility. However, creating the conditions that make this good use possible and productive is the duty of politics."