Pope Leo XIV has called for the United Nations to take decisive action against lethal autonomous weapons, urging member states to implement a ban during their upcoming meeting in Geneva. In a recent Papal Address, he emphasized the need for human oversight in AI applications, stating that “machines are tools, not persons,” and warned against granting AI systems rights or legal personhood.
In his address, Pope Leo reiterated themes from his earlier encyclical, which focused on the importance of safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. He stressed that decisions impacting human life and freedom must always be subject to informed human oversight, reflecting a growing concern about the ethical implications of AI technologies.
The Pope’s remarks align with a broader discourse on AI governance, echoing sentiments expressed by Pope Francis in 2024, who also advocated for a ban on autonomous weapons, asserting that “no machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being.” This ongoing dialogue highlights the Catholic Church’s increasing engagement with technological advancements and their societal impacts.
Pope Leo’s address concluded with a call for international institutions to establish shared standards and independent oversight mechanisms to mitigate AI-related risks. He emphasized the necessity for accountability in AI development and usage, advocating for frameworks that allow for scrutiny and remedies for any harm caused by these technologies. This proactive stance aims to ensure that the evolution of AI serves the common good rather than undermining it.
