Pope Leo XIV warned on the 14th local time that artificial intelligence (AI) technology could amplify tragedies in war. According to the Holy See, he delivered the remarks while speaking to students at La Sapienza University in Rome, Italy, that day.
Leo XIV said AI use in the military and civilian sectors must be monitored. He said, "AI must not allow humans to escape responsibility for their choices, nor should it worsen the tragedy of conflicts."
He added, "What is happening in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran shows that the relationship between war and new technologies is evolving inhumanely in a vicious cycle of annihilation."
Leo XIV is expected to issue his first encyclical soon. Observers say it will address peace and justice issues related to AI. Immediately after his inauguration, he said humanity's values must be protected from AI. On the same day, Leo XIV encouraged Palestinian students from the Gaza Strip studying in Rome with support from the Italian government.