Pope Leo XIV has warned that a "paradise of machines" could undermine humanity as he questioned what being human means in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The Pope raised the question during his opening speech on a four-day trip to France, the first papal visit there in 18 years. The speech was delivered in front of French president Emmanuel Macron and other diplomats at the Élysée Palace.
Nuclear opposition reaffirmed
Given the wars plaguing Europe and the Middle East, he also reaffirmed the Vatican's opposition to nuclear weapons and said the nuclear deterrence doctrine was "mistaken" since it was just fuelling a new arms race. He recalled France's "deep Christian roots" and the recognition of human rights as he issued his warning about scientific progress and AI.
"If we are to avoid losing our humanity amid a 'paradise of machines' invading and conditioning our daily lives, there is an urgent need for education in ethical discernment and the capacity to acknowledge the moral good," he said.
AI regulation appeal
From the very start of his pontificate, Leo has identified artificial intelligence as one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. He dedicated his first encyclical to the topic, "Magnificent Humanity," calling for robust regulation and for AI developers to work for the common good rather than profit. Leo also appealed to AI developers and political leaders responsible for regulating them to slow down, an appeal that several top AI companies seem to have taken to heart recently.
Speaking to reporters en route to Paris, Leo said he was pleased that his message was being heard and that he hoped the dialogue that the Vatican had initiated with tech companies would continue. "And I think from their perspective, many of them, they're very much open to looking for ways of making sure that AI does not displace or ultimately destroy humanity, but rather than be a tool for human beings," he said. "Good things are beginning at least," he added.
Media welcome on papal plane
Pope Leo has also addressed Trump's decision to bar certain media outlets from the White House, including CNN and Politico. Asked by a CNN reporter about the Trump administration's attempt to bar CNN and other reporters, Leo said the media was welcome on his plane. "I am very happy that here, you are all welcome," he said.
The visit marks a capstone for Macron as he now only has seven months left of his mandate and will not be allowed to run a third time in the May elections. Pope Francis, Pope Leo's predecessor, has repeatedly refused to make a proper state visit to France during his 12-year pontificate.
Charles Mercier, director of history and sociology of Catholicism studies at Paris EPHE university, said: "For a president of the republic as Macron, who is at the end of his mandate, it can be important to be aside the Pope and to capture a part of his popularity. It's not new." Macron's approval ratings are nearing record lows due to anger over the rising cost of living, criticism of France's growing debt and deficit and deteriorating public services.
