Says AI Could Fuel Global Conflict, Calls For Urgent Global Regulation
Pope Leo has called on governments to slow the development of artificial intelligence and introduce strict global regulation, warning in his first major doctrinal document that the technology could intensify misinformation, fuel conflict, and push the world toward “unending war.” The 43,000-word encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), was released on Monday and represents one of the most significant papal statements on modern technology.
Pope Leo urged political leaders to take a more active role in controlling the rapid expansion of AI, saying regulation is needed to prevent harm caused by misinformation and unchecked competition among tech companies. He warned that the global race for AI dominance could worsen geopolitical tensions and contribute to a cycle of conflict. The pope also expressed concern that some autonomous weapons systems have advanced “practically beyond any human reach to govern them,” raising fears about loss of human control in warfare.
Leo called for “robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility,” stressing that AI development should not be left solely to private companies. He also said ownership of AI data should not remain exclusively in private hands and urged protections for workers and children affected by the technology. On warfare, he declared that entrusting AI systems with lethal decisions is “not permissible” and said any military use of AI must be subject to strict ethical limits.
The pope used the encyclical to criticise ongoing global conflicts, warning that the world is sliding into a “violent culture of power” where peace is treated as temporary. He questioned the continued relevance of the traditional “just war” theory, calling it outdated and arguing that it has often been misused to justify violence. He also suggested that some leaders may even use armed conflict to distract from domestic political problems, while pointing to arms industry profits as a driving force behind wars.
Leo linked AI development to broader social and labour issues, warning of “new forms of slavery” affecting workers in supply chains and those maintaining digital systems. He highlighted dangerous conditions faced by children and adolescents involved in mining materials used in technology production, saying their suffering should challenge global moral conscience. The pope also acknowledged historical failures of the Church regarding slavery and issued a personal apology, calling it “a wound in Christian memory.” Concluding the document, he urged humanity to avoid repeating past mistakes symbolised by the biblical Tower of Babel, insisting that “no one is without responsibility” in shaping the future of AI and global society.
Pope Leo has called on governments to slow the development of artificial intelligence and introduce strict global regulation, warning in his first major doctrinal document that the technology could intensify misinformation, fuel conflict, and push the world toward “unending war.” The 43,000-word encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), was released on Monday and represents one of the most significant papal statements on modern technology.
Pope Leo urged political leaders to take a more active role in controlling the rapid expansion of AI, saying regulation is needed to prevent harm caused by misinformation and unchecked competition among tech companies. He warned that the global race for AI dominance could worsen geopolitical tensions and contribute to a cycle of conflict. The pope also expressed concern that some autonomous weapons systems have advanced “practically beyond any human reach to govern them,” raising fears about loss of human control in warfare.
Leo called for “robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility,” stressing that AI development should not be left solely to private companies. He also said ownership of AI data should not remain exclusively in private hands and urged protections for workers and children affected by the technology. On warfare, he declared that entrusting AI systems with lethal decisions is “not permissible” and said any military use of AI must be subject to strict ethical limits.
The pope used the encyclical to criticise ongoing global conflicts, warning that the world is sliding into a “violent culture of power” where peace is treated as temporary. He questioned the continued relevance of the traditional “just war” theory, calling it outdated and arguing that it has often been misused to justify violence. He also suggested that some leaders may even use armed conflict to distract from domestic political problems, while pointing to arms industry profits as a driving force behind wars.
Leo linked AI development to broader social and labour issues, warning of “new forms of slavery” affecting workers in supply chains and those maintaining digital systems. He highlighted dangerous conditions faced by children and adolescents involved in mining materials used in technology production, saying their suffering should challenge global moral conscience. The pope also acknowledged historical failures of the Church regarding slavery and issued a personal apology, calling it “a wound in Christian memory.” Concluding the document, he urged humanity to avoid repeating past mistakes symbolised by the biblical Tower of Babel, insisting that “no one is without responsibility” in shaping the future of AI and global society.
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