AI Apocalypse Coming? Know What Pope Leo Warned at Centre of Papacy
The Vatican has renewed warnings about the risks posed by artificial intelligence, with Pope Leo calling for global rules to govern the technology. Vatican advisers warn that AI could threaten security, international peace and social cohesion. The Pope has also urged strict oversight of AI-powered weapons and greater international regulation.
The Vatican warned about the risk of an apocalypse spurred by artificial intelligence years before major American firms sounded the alarm at the United Nations Security Council, a concern that Pope Leo is placing at the heart of his papacy. Pope Leo, who previously called on world leaders for global rules to oversee the industry, renewed his warnings at a Vatican meeting. Papal advisors emphasize that the transformative power of artificial intelligence could produce difficult societal changes.
As reported by Reuters, Rev. Paolo Benanti, a leading Vatican advisor on AI issues, noted that the Holy See has long monitored these developments as major technology executives endorse calls for caution. In a recent address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Pope Leo stated that while artificial intelligence can benefit humanity, it introduces new dangers to security and international peace, urging global leaders to govern the technology wisely. Australia Probes OpenAI After AI Model Hacks Government Website.
Ethical Oversight and Global Regulation
The first US-born pope has frequently raised potential dangers regarding artificial intelligence throughout his papacy. His major May document warned that AI systems spread misinformation, prioritize conflict, and could lead the world toward unending war. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican top diplomat, reiterated the call for international regulation, emphasizing that individual countries cannot manage the technology alone.
Institutional responses are also emerging at regional levels. The United States bishops conference announced the formation of a new artificial intelligence taskforce following leadership discussions with industry executives to ensure systems remain at the service of humanity.
Autonomous Weapons and Societal Risks
The Vatican has maintained active advocacy against autonomous weaponry for decades, comparing AI-powered drones to indiscriminate landmines. Pope Leo has specifically urged strict oversight for weapons systems deployed in active conflicts, noting they have advanced beyond human reach to govern them effectively. Tech Leaders to UN: For the Sake of Humanity, Please Control the AI Technology We Created.
Advisors compare the hidden nature of artificial intelligence threats to nuclear disarmament, warning that manipulating generative content in social spaces can dismantle societal cohesion. Unlike visible nuclear stockpiles, digital risks remain decentralized and difficult to track.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 07:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).