Pope Leo XIV has said concerns that artificial intelligence could become dangerous enough to threaten humanity are not “fake news” and should be taken seriously, putting his position at odds with President Donald Trump, who has described fears about AI going rogue as a “hoax.”
The Pope made the comments Monday while speaking with journalists aboard his flight from France to Rome. He urged political leaders, technology executives and civil society groups to examine the potential consequences of rapidly developing AI systems rather than dismissing warnings about possible dangers.
Pope Leo Says AI Warnings Should Be Taken Seriously
Pope Leo said concerns raised by AI experts and specialists deserve serious consideration. He rejected the suggestion that warnings about potentially catastrophic AI risks should simply be dismissed, arguing that society should continue studying the technology and preparing for possible consequences.
The pontiff said he was not in a state of panic over artificial intelligence, but argued that refusing to consider possible dangers would be irresponsible. He called for continued dialogue, investigation and cooperation to ensure AI does not reach a point where it could threaten humanity.
Pope Leo’s Position Contrasts With Trump
The Pope’s remarks came shortly after President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly that fears about the dangers of artificial intelligence were a “hoax.” Trump has also argued that the United States must maintain its technological advantage over China and has opposed measures that could unnecessarily restrict AI development.
The disagreement is therefore centered on how seriously governments and technology companies should treat potential AI risks. While Trump has emphasized continued technological leadership and innovation, Pope Leo has called for safeguards and broader discussion about the consequences of increasingly powerful AI systems.
AI Regulation Debate Moves Into the Spotlight
Pope Leo has made artificial intelligence a significant part of his public discussion about the future of humanity. His first encyclical, Magnificent Humanity, addressed AI and called for safeguards as the technology develops. He has also urged political leaders, technology companies and civil society organizations to work together on the issue.
The debate comes as AI companies and technology executives themselves remain divided over regulation and safety. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has argued that concerns about AI safety have been overstated, while executives including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei have warned about potential risks from increasingly capable systems. Pope Leo’s intervention adds a prominent religious voice to the growing international discussion over how far AI development should go and what safeguards should accompany it. OGM News will continue to follow the debate as governments and technology companies shape the future of artificial intelligence.
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