Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir, criticized Pope Leo XIV for calls to regulate artificial intelligence, accusing him of serving China's interests.

American billionaire Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir and PayPal, issued provocative warnings about artificial intelligence and the future of the West at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Thiel accused Pope Leo XIV of acting as an 'agent of the Chinese communists' through his calls for AI regulation.

He criticized the Vatican for the fact that the pope's message could influence public opinion in the U.S., but not in China, thus wasting the American advantage in the race for AI development. Thiel also warned of a 'democratic-socialist takeover' of the Democratic Party, highlighting the growing influence of democratic socialists in American politics.

In a discussion with political scientist Francis Fukuyama, Thiel argued that democratic institutions have become paralyzing, contributing to political instability. He also criticized the European Union, comparing it to a 'bad artificial intelligence.'