Pope Leo XIV warns that artificial intelligence (AI) is the greatest threat to mankind. He compares this crisis to the social burdens born of the Gilded Age, engraving it as a signature tenet of his tenure. In a speech last week to a meeting of the cardinal electors, he urged drawing on 2,000 years of church social teaching. This foundation will prepare the Catholic Church to provide moral leadership in an age marked by technology that is rapidly reshaping human society.
Just a month ago, » Pope Leo XIV gave a prophetic sermon. Here was an opportunity to address his misgivings regarding AI, perhaps focus on its tremendous threat to human dignity, justice and labor. His position was eloquently advocated by his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII. Given the economic upheaval and inequality of the late 19th century, it’s no surprise that Pope Leo XIII came to the defense of the rights of factory workers. The Gilded Age, marked by rapid industrialization and the rise of wealthy industrialists, serves as a historical backdrop for the Pope’s current mission.
In his attempts to tackle these contemporary conundrums, Supreme Pontiff Leo XIV is firmly putting the technology sector on notice. The Vatican more generally has been involved in leading efforts for a binding international treaty on AI. Their mission is to establish ethical standards that put human well-being ahead of unfettered technological advancement. As this effort has unfolded, tech leaders have lambasted this initiative. In doing so, they assert those regulations would hamper innovation and slow progress.
All the spokespersons of the big technology firms have stepped on Vatican soil. For starters, they are regularly at the forefront of conversations about the societal impacts of emerging technologies. Leaders from Google, Microsoft, Cisco, SAP, and other tech giants recently convened with the Pope and his advisors. Their goal was to identify methods and frameworks through which they could better direct their innovations toward ethical ends. These meetings are a testimony to an increasing awareness of the necessity for cooperation between religious and technological sectors.
Pope Leo XIV’s approach reflects a desire to respond to what he describes as “another industrial revolution” fueled by AI. He’s convinced all great leaders have addressed injustice while navigating an economic transition. Today’s leaders need to meet the issues created by AI developments.
“respond to another industrial revolution and to innovations in the field of artificial intelligence that pose challenges to human dignity, justice, and labor” – Pope Leo XIV
Both here and abroad, conversations continue to swirl about the Vatican’s proposals. It’s thrilling to imagine how they could influence AI governance around the world and lead the way in ethical innovation that meets the future of technology.