AI Governance: Trump, China, and the Vatican’s Role

Pope Leo XIV will address UNESCO in Paris on September 25 to advocate for international safeguards regarding artificial intelligence. The visit marks the first papal visit to the organization in more than four decades. The address concludes a day of reflection on artificial intelligence, education, and peace at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization headquarters.

Representatives from all 194 member states, including China and the United States, are expected to attend despite Washington’s intention to withdraw from the organization by the end of 2026. The Pope's appeal for safeguards comes amid tensions between the United States and China regarding technological supremacy.

In his May encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV called for stronger regulation and oversight of technology companies and their AI models. He warned against allowing private interests to determine the direction of technology with far-reaching consequences for humanity.