For Pope Leo, the risk of an AI apocalypse is a major concern

Vatican City has expressed alarm over the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to spark an apocalypse, long before major US technology companies began raising the alarm at the United Nations Security Council. Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff, has been a vocal advocate for global rules to govern the AI industry since he assumed office 16 months ago.

During a Vatican meeting on Thursday, Leo reiterated his concerns about AI's potential to create societal changes that are difficult to predict and warned that it poses new dangers to security and international peace. His comments come as part of the Holy See's long-standing advocacy for AI regulation, dating back to 2019 when the Vatican hosted conferences on the topic.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's top diplomat, echoed Leo's call for international regulation, stating that countries cannot "go it alone" on the technology. He emphasized that the future of humanity is indeed at stake and stressed the need for everyone to participate in establishing common rules to govern AI.

The Vatican's warnings about AI have been consistent and ongoing. In May, Pope Leo released an encyclical, his first major document on the subject, expressing fears about AI spreading misinformation, prioritizing conflict, and potentially leading the world towards endless war. The Vatican's stance on AI has been bolstered by partnerships with technology firms like Microsoft and IBM, as well as international organizations such as the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization.