Pope Leo warns humanity risks losing itself in a ‘paradise of machines’

Pope Leo XIV cautioned humanity on Friday that an "avalanche of machines" posed a threat to the very essence of what it means to be human amid an era of artificial intelligence, nuclear arms race, and other challenges to life itself. In his inaugural address to President Emmanuel Macron and diplomats at the Élysée Palace, Leo broached existential concerns about scientific advancements, life, and human rights.

He reaffirmed the Vatican's stance against nuclear weapons, arguing that deterrence doctrines were contributing to an arms race. "Peace is not a balance of power; rather, it is built day by day through dialogue and justice," he stated. Pope Leo, whose ancestors once resided in France, commenced a four-day tour in Paris, where the Catholic Church has lost influence in ethical matters due to the French Constitution's strict secularism laws.

Upon his arrival at Paris’ Orly airport, church bells rang out, and an estimated million people gathered to witness his visit. Macron dubbed Leo's visit a beacon of hope for many French citizens, expressing France's commitment to peace, multilateralism, respect for international law, and the UN Charter. Leo's four-day itinerary included visiting UNESCO headquarters, celebrating vespers at Notre-Dame, and presiding over a youth vigil at the Paris stadium on Friday night.