Pope Leo XIV says he's not in 'panic mode' over AI dangers

Pope Leo XIV told journalists on September 28 that he is not in a state of panic regarding the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, though he urged that warnings from specialists be taken seriously. Speaking during a press conference on the papal flight from Metz, France, to Rome, the pope stated that the prospect of AI posing catastrophic risks to humanity does not keep him awake at night.

The pope noted that the concerns raised by AI experts should not be dismissed as fake news. He said the Vatican is working to promote dialogue and investigation to ensure technology does not reach a point where it could destroy humanity or remove humans from the conversation. To address these issues, the Vatican formed a commission on artificial intelligence to coordinate its use within Vatican City and to examine its risks and benefits.

These comments follow the publication of the pope's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which addresses the role of AI in society. In the document, he urged governments, technology companies, and the public to ensure technological development serves humanity and protects human dignity. Since the encyclical was released, the Vatican has received contact from professionals in various fields interested in the topic.