The Pope has expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) potentially leading to perpetual warfare, a view that may escalate tensions with Donald Trump.
In a recently published manifesto titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), Pope Leo XIV has called for stringent governmental oversight of AI development. This call comes at a time when the United States government is advocating for deregulation of AI technology.
Highlighting the risks associated with technological progress, Pope Leo cautioned against misinformation dissemination, conflict escalation, and the delegation of irreversible lethal decisions to AI systems. He emphasized the need for proactive political intervention to counterbalance the rapid pace of technological advancements.
The Pope’s advocacy for AI regulation coincides with his ongoing discord with US President Donald Trump, particularly concerning the US and Israeli military actions in Iran. The disagreement between the two leaders intensified in April, with Senator John Kennedy denouncing what he referred to as Trump’s aggressive stance against the Pope.
Leo criticized Trump’s threats to dismantle Iranian civilization, labeling such actions as unacceptable and in violation of international laws. He urged global citizens to pressure their political representatives to end the conflict in the Middle East.
Subsequently, Trump faced backlash for sharing an AI-generated image portraying himself as a messianic figure. In response, the President criticized the Pope’s stance on various international issues, including Iran’s nuclear capability and US actions towards Venezuela.
While focusing on AI in his publication, Pope Leo also decried the prevalence of brutal conflicts worldwide, the erosion of democratic principles, and the role of the arms industry in perpetuating violence. He rejected the traditional ‘just war’ theory, asserting that the use of force and weapons often leads to catastrophic consequences for civilian populations.
Additionally, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of protecting workers’ rights in the technological sector, condemning exploitative practices in the production of devices used for AI. He acknowledged historical shortcomings of the Catholic Church, including its delayed condemnation of transatlantic slavery, and offered a personal apology for these oversights.