Pope Leo: AI a Threat to Humanity

Pope Leo XIV Warns of AI Threat to Humanity

Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning about the potential threat of artificial intelligence (AI) to humanity, calling for immediate global action and strict regulations for Big Tech companies. In one of his first major addresses as pontiff, he emphasized the urgent need to address the challenges posed by AI innovations to human dignity, justice, and labor.

Speaking to a group of cardinals at the Vatican on May 10, Pope Leo XIV outlined his concerns about the rapid advancement of AI technology. He stressed that the Church is prepared to leverage its social teachings to tackle these issues, aligning AI ethics with the principles of justice and human rights. His remarks, reported by the Wall Street Journal, underscore the growing urgency of addressing the ethical implications of AI development.

AI's Impact on Jobs

The impact of AI on the global workforce is a significant concern. Projections indicate that AI could automate or significantly alter up to 80% of jobs by 2050. According to McKinsey, AI may automate 30% of U.S. jobs by 2030, while Goldman Sachs estimates that up to 300 million jobs worldwide could be affected. Labor-intensive roles, such as construction and skilled trades, are expected to remain relatively secure.

The Vatican is hosting a summit on AI ethics this week, attended by executives from major tech firms like IBM, Cohere, Anthropic, and Palantir. Pope Leo XIV is expected to release a written message addressing the ethical concerns surrounding AI, though he has not yet scheduled private meetings with tech CEOs. Microsoft President Brad Smith is slated to meet with Vatican officials later this month, and Google is exploring the possibility of a future audience with the pope.

Echoing Pope Leo XIII

Pope Leo XIV's focus on AI echoes the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known as the 'Pope of the Workers' during the 19th-century industrial revolution. By adopting the name Leo XIV, the new pope draws a parallel between the industrial revolution and the current digital revolution, highlighting the need for ethical guidance in this era of rapid technological change.

The 267th pope is positioning himself as a moral counterbalance to tech companies, advocating for legally binding global regulations to control AI development. Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi underscored this stance, emphasizing the importance of preventing scientific progress from harming those subject to its power. The Church, under both Pope Francis and now Pope Leo XIV, has been vocal about the need for ethical oversight in AI development.

Predecessor's Concerns

Pope Leo XIV's call for AI oversight builds on the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had become increasingly vocal about the potential risks of emerging technologies. Francis had described AI as both 'fascinating and terrifying,' cautioning against a 'technological dictatorship.' In 2020, the Vatican released the 'Rome Call for AI Ethics,' supported by companies like Microsoft and IBM, which urged developers to create AI systems that respect privacy, human rights, and non-discrimination.

Despite the support of some tech giants, others like Google and OpenAI have not yet endorsed the 'Rome Call.' Pope Leo XIV, with his background in mathematics and greater technical knowledge, is expected to further the Church's advocacy for ethical AI development. Vatican officials and clergy emphasize the moral obligation to serve as a global conscience against the potential dehumanizing effects of AI.

Cardinal Versaldi noted that while AI tools should not be demonized, they require regulation. He raised the question of who should regulate these technologies, suggesting that it is not credible for the makers to regulate themselves and that a superior authority is needed to ensure ethical oversight.