Pope Leo condemns use of AI warfare and the ‘spiral of annihilation’ it brings
Pope Leo condemns use of AI warfare and the ‘spiral of annihilation’ it brings
Publish Date: 2026-05-14 10:07:00
Source Domain: www.pbs.org
- Pope Leo XIV condemned investments in artificial intelligence and high-tech weaponry, labeling them a path leading to “annihilation.”
- His speech at Rome’s La Sapienza University highlighted a significant plea for peace in the Middle East, particularly regarding conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
- It was the first visit by a pope to the university campus since Pope Benedict XVI’s canceled appearance in 2008.
- Leo was greeted by young Palestinian students who arrived in Italy on a “humanitarian corridor” from Gaza to continue their studies.
- The pope highlighted the disproportionate increase in military spending at the expense of education and healthcare, criticizing it for enriching elites.
- He advocated for ethical monitoring of AI development, warning against letting AI absolve humans of responsibility in conflicts.
- Leo emphasized the importance of education and research to promote peace and justice, contrasting the misuse of new technologies.
- Several Palestinian students, like 19-year-old Nada Rahim Jouda, expressed gratitude for their opportunity to study in Italy while still worrying about their families in Gaza.
