Pope Leo XIV calls for rethinking the development of artificial intelligence and establishing ethical safeguards to protect human dignity

Pope Leo XIV on Friday called, at the beginning of his apostolic visit to France, for a reconsideration of how artificial intelligence is developed and for the introduction of ethical safeguards to protect human dignity. In speeches delivered at the Élysée Palace and UNESCO, the pontiff warned that technology must not end up conditioning people’s lives or limiting their freedom of thought.

The pope advocated for education based on ethical discernment and for protecting children and young people in the digital age. He argued that artificial intelligence systems can correlate data but cannot answer questions about the meaning of life and human experience. In the absence of a common ethical foundation, these technologies can amplify disinformation, manipulation and dehumanization.

President Emmanuel Macron likewise supported the creation of an international organization to regulate artificial intelligence. He warned that advanced models must not remain controlled by a handful of companies and that technological progress must be balanced by justice and humanism.

Pope Leo XIV’s visit is the first papal visit to France in nearly 20 years. The program includes a service at Notre-Dame Cathedral, trips to Lourdes and Metz, as well as discussions on Europe’s future, press freedom and rebuilding the image of the Catholic Church following abuse scandals.