Pope Leo says he's not in 'panic mode' over AI, but warns against ignoring risks

Pope Leo XIV told journalists on Sept. 28 that he is not in a state of panic regarding artificial intelligence, though he urged people to take warnings about the technology seriously. Speaking aboard the papal flight from Metz to Rome following a four-day trip to France, the pope said he believes the concerns raised by AI experts are legitimate.

The pope previously addressed the technology in his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which calls on governments, technology companies, and the public to ensure technological development serves humanity. He noted that the Vatican has established a commission on artificial intelligence to coordinate its use within Vatican City and to study its potential risks and benefits.

Since the release of his encyclical, the pope said the Vatican has received contact from various professionals interested in the subject. He stated that the Church is working to promote dialogue and investigation to prevent AI from reaching a point where it could destroy humanity or exclude humans from important conversations.