Vatican Head of State Pope Leo XIV has issued warnings regarding artificial intelligence technologies. Responding to journalists' questions on his return flight to Rome following his four-day official visit to France, the Pope said that the risks raised by experts in this field must be taken seriously.
In his assessment of the artificial intelligence debate, the Pope said, "I believe that the concerns raised by many experts regarding artificial intelligence should be taken seriously. I do not believe these are fake news, as some claim in order to obtain financial or other interests."
Recalling a statement by an executive from the US-based chip manufacturer Nvidia regarding the possibility of implementing safety barriers or optional limitations on artificial intelligence systems, the Pope also pointed to the opposition to government regulations in the same approach. The Pope emphasized that the issue is too important to be left solely to the initiative of technology companies.
Pope Leo XIV stated that political leaders, representatives of the artificial intelligence sector, social organizations, and associations should come together to evaluate the current situation and what might happen in the future. He used the expression, "Simply saying 'this will not happen' and closing our eyes to reality is, in my opinion, not a responsible approach."
Responding to journalists' questions regarding the rise of the far-right in Germany and Europe, the Pope said that some far-right political stances are combined with a specific form of religiosity. He stated that this approach, in line with the assessments of Catholic and Protestant church leaders in Germany, cannot be seen as an expression of Christianity.
The Pope also reiterated his criticisms of military spending. Stating that the vast resources allocated to the massive military industry could be used to solve problems such as world hunger, the housing crisis, and unemployment, the Pope expressed that "a select few" make huge profits from wars.
Touching upon the Russia-Ukraine War, Pope Leo XIV said that the parties and the leaders of the relevant countries should be encouraged to meet around the same table, establish a dialogue, and seek solutions. The Pope also mentioned that he met with people who were subjected to systematic abuse in the church during his visit to France, stating that the church must both face its responsibility and contribute to the healing of the victims.
News Source: 12punto
