Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Treaty to Curb AI Threats
Pope Leo XIV urges world leaders to develop a global treaty to control AI, pointing out hazards to human self-respect and justice. The Vatican warns AI might erode the ethical structures of society and displace millions from the workforce. Drawing from Catholic social mentors, the Pope positions the Church as a guardian of ethics in the AI age. Tech giants are seeking talks with the Pope as his remarks stir dispute over uncontrolled innovation.
Pope Leo XIV has contacted world leaders to participate in drafting a worldwide treaty to address what he described as the “existential threat” posed by artificial intelligence. In his first major remarks since ascending to the papacy earlier this week, the newly elected pontiff urged the global community to make sure that AI development is guided by ethics, justice, and a firm respect for human dignity.
Speaking at the Vatican before senior clergy and members of the Italian Episcopal Conference, the Pope warned that artificial intelligence, if left unchecked, threatens undermining not only labor markets but also the social and ethical structures of human life. “We must not allow humanity to be redefined by machines,” he said. “Man is not a function, not a simulation, not an algorithm. He is a mystery, a being, a relationship.”
The Pope’s message was unmistakably rooted in the Church’s long history of advocating for the vulnerable during times of disruptive change. He invoked the tradition of Pope Leo XIII, who defended workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution. Drawing parallels to today’s digital upheaval, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Church must once again rise to the challenge.
Throughout the previous revolution, it was the factory that transformed our understanding of work and value. Today, it is the machine that threatens to alter not only our labor but our very sense of what it means to be human,” he said.
In calling for a treaty, Pope Leo XIV joins a growing chorus of voices urging coordinated global oversight of AI development. The Vatican has signaled its willingness to collaborate with governments, civil society, and the technology sector to ensure ethical safeguards are put in place.
The Pope’s remarks reflect widespread concern about AI’s role in society. Concerns range from automation-driven job losses to the control of personal data and increasing concentration of power among a few tech corporations. According to a 2023 report by the Oxford Institute, nearly half of jobs in developed economies are at high risk of automation in the coming decade.
The Vatican’s stance is expected to influence the broader global debate, especially in countries with strong Catholic traditions. Currently, major tech companies such as Google and Microsoft are reportedly seeking dialogue with the Pope in an effort to shape a more balanced narrative around emerging technologies.
Yet the Church’s position remains clear. The Pope insists that human dignity must always be the compass guiding technological progress. “It is not enough to be innovative. We must be humane,” he said.
That said, as the world grapples with the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV has positioned the Church firmly at the center of the discussion. Whether this will lead to a formal treaty or a new international code of conduct remains to be seen. But the message from the Vatican is unambiguous: progress must never come at the expense of the human soul.
