US-born Pope Leo makes AI risks a major theme of his papacy, first raising the issue on his third day
Pope Leo presides over a diocesan assembly marking the opening of the new pastoral year for the Diocese of Rome, at the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome, Italy, September 18, 2026. REUTERS
Pope Leo, who has warned of the risk that AI could lead the world down a path of unending war, on Monday urged the development of AI systems that do not foster divisions in society but strengthen peace initiatives.
“In a world marked by conflict and division, the development of artificial intelligence calls for a vision inspired by wisdom and charity,” the pontiff said in a message to a conference on AI issues held in Rome.
The pope called for development of AI systems that “serve the dignity of every person and strengthen the bonds that unite the human family”.
Leo, the first US-born pope, has made addressing the possible dangers of AI development a major theme of his 16-month-old papacy, first discussing the issue publicly on his third day as pope.
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In his first major document, issued in May, Leo warned that AI systems spread misinformation and prioritise conflict. He urged international regulation of the industry.
Monday’s conference, hosted at Rome’s Pontifical Lateran University, was titled “AI4Peace.” Speakers included US economist Jeffrey Sachs, Rome city council president Svetlana Celli and Francisco Rojas Aravena, rector of the UN’s University for Peace, based in Costa Rica.
Leo’s brief message was read aloud to attendees by Rev. Andrea Ciucci, chancellor of the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life.
