Pope Leo calls for climate action before disaster strikes

Pope Leo XIV urged the world to shift from responding to climate disasters to preventing them during an address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on Sept. 24. Speaking at a plenary session titled The Future of Science in a Changing World, the pope said the international community must move from short-term measures toward a farsighted vision to address heat waves, droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires.

Leo noted that these environmental changes impact the poor and resource-poor communities most severely. He described the climate crisis as a matter of justice, human dignity, and solidarity rather than just an environmental issue. He encouraged scientists, engineers, economists, physicians, and social scientists to collaborate with policymakers and local communities.

The pope also discussed digitalization, artificial intelligence, and robotics, referencing his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. While he noted these technologies could improve medicine, food, and energy systems, he warned that artificial intelligence could be used for discrimination, manipulation, and surveillance. He also expressed concern regarding autonomous weapons and cyber capabilities that lack human oversight and adequate safeguards.