Pope warns AI must be 'disarmed' to prevent it from dominating humanity

Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong warning about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence in his first apostolic constitution, titled 'Magnifica Humanitas' (Magnificent Humanity). Released on Monday, the document urges humanity to "disarm" AI to prevent technology from dominating people and stresses the critical need to safeguard human dignity in the age of advanced algorithms.

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Humanity stands at a crossroads today. Will we build a new Tower of Babel?

Speaking from the Vatican, the Pope highlighted that control over AI should not be concentrated in the hands of a few. He called for a cautious approach to AI, stating that its use in warfare must be subject to the "strictest ethical constraints" and that delegating lethal decisions to AI is "unacceptable." Furthermore, he condemned the role of AI-generated disinformation in amplifying polarization and animosity surrounding conflicts, asserting that "there is no just war."

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The use of artificial intelligence in war must be subject to the strictest ethical constraints.

The constitution also addresses the plight of workers in factories producing digital devices, describing their conditions as a "new form of slavery." Pope Leo XIV urged policymakers to protect the rights of these laborers and ensure the safety of children. He also called for a reduction in competition among AI companies.

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Delegating lethal decisions to artificial intelligence is unacceptable.

The apostolic constitution carries significant weight within the Catholic Church and holds considerable influence internationally. The Pope's emphasis on "disarming" AI signifies a rejection of the notion that technological power automatically grants governing authority. He clarified that disarmament does not mean rejecting technology but rather preventing it from controlling humanity, emphasizing that AI is both an environment we inhabit and a force we must confront, and should be accessible to all.

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Disarmament means not rejecting technology, but preventing technology from dominating humanity.