Pope decries rise of AI-directed warfare, says it leads to a spiral of annihilation : NPR
Pope decries rise of AI-directed warfare, says it leads to a spiral of annihilation : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2026/05/15/g-s1-122205/pope-decries-rise-of-ai-directed-warfare
Publish Date: 2026-05-15 01:33:00
Source Domain: www.npr.org
- Pope Leo XIV made a historic visit to Rome’s Sapienza University on May 14, 2026, the first papal visit since 2008.
- The pope denounced the increasing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and high-tech weaponry, labeling these as leading the world into a “spiral of annihilation.”
- During his visit, he specifically called for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, highlighting the adverse effects of heightened military spending on education and healthcare.
- Pope Leo XIV met with young Palestinian students who arrived in Italy through a recent “humanitarian corridor” and emphasized the importance of education and research in valuing life and promoting peace.
- He also underlined the need for better oversight of AI to prevent it from absolving humans of responsibility and exacerbating conflicts.
- The pope’s visit included greetings and conversations with Gazan students at the campus chapel and the main lecture hall of the university, founded in 1303.
