Pope Leo XIV has called for strong global action to control the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), urging what he described as the “disarming” of AI in a major new message on technology and ethics.
In his statement, the Pope warned that AI systems must be developed and used in a way that protects human dignity, peace, and justice. He said the world needs clear rules and limits to ensure that technology does not harm people or deepen global inequalities.
Pope Leo XIV stressed that AI should remain a tool that serves humanity, not one that replaces human judgment or increases risks in society. He highlighted concerns about misuse of AI in areas such as warfare, surveillance, misinformation, and decision-making systems that could affect human lives.
The Pope’s message comes at a time when AI technologies are expanding rapidly across industries, including healthcare, education, finance, and defence. While acknowledging the benefits of AI, he warned that unchecked development could lead to serious ethical and social challenges.
He called on governments, technology companies, and international organisations to work together to establish global frameworks that regulate AI use. According to him, cooperation is necessary to ensure that technological progress does not come at the cost of human values.
The Pope also emphasised the importance of keeping humans at the centre of all technological systems. He said AI must be guided by ethics and responsibility, with safeguards in place to prevent misuse.
His remarks are seen as one of the strongest recent calls from a global religious leader for tighter control over artificial intelligence. The statement adds to ongoing international debates about how AI should be regulated as its capabilities continue to grow.
