Pope Leo XIV: AI Must Serve Humanity, Not Dominate

Overview

Pope Leo XIV used his address at UNESCO headquarters in Paris to issue a stark warning regarding the trajectory of artificial intelligence. The pontiff, whose leadership has increasingly centered on the ethical implications of emerging technologies, stated that AI must remain firmly "at the service of the human person."

He cautioned that without such safeguards, the technology risks becoming "yet another instrument of domination and injustice." The speech, delivered in both French and English, underscores the Vatican’s growing stance as a moral voice in the global debate over how humanity governs its most powerful digital tools.

The address forms part of a four-day state visit to France, which also includes high-level meetings with political leaders and religious figures. By positioning himself at UNESCO, the Pope directly engaged with international policymakers and institutions tasked with shaping the regulatory frameworks for AI and digital ethics.

The Risks of Dehumanization

Speaking at the UNESCO headquarters, Pope Leo XIV argued that the unchecked proliferation of AI threatens to impoverish human ideas and relationships. He described a "process of dehumanisation" that occurs when technological advancement outpaces moral consideration.

"Artificial intelligence risks impoverishing human ideas and relationships through a process of dehumanisation," the Pope declared during his address.

The pontiff also directed his critique toward modern societal values, specifically the relentless emphasis on productivity. He argued that judging individuals according to a "criterion of efficiency" fundamentally undermines respect for human dignity.

This utilitarian approach, he warned, leads to a society where "those who are no longer productive" are rejected and discarded. For Pope Leo XIV, the measure of progress cannot be solely economic or technical; it must remain rooted in the preservation of human worth.

The Pope’s comments align with his broader theological project regarding technology. In May, he published his first encyclical, "Magnifica humanitas," a 42,300-word document that addressed the existential risks posed by unchecked AI. That text called for rigorous regulatory oversight, a theme he reinforced in his Paris speech.

A significant portion of his remarks focused on the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children. He stressed that emerging technologies must offer adequate safeguards for young people, noting that their "vulnerability" must never become an opportunity for exploitation.

European lawmakers have been grappling with these exact issues. The European Commission has proposed the Kids Act, which aims to restrict social media access for children under 13. Simultaneously, various member states, including France, have implemented bans on school phones to mitigate online harms.

War, Wisdom, and International Cooperation

Beyond the specifics of artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV used the platform to reflect on the perennial threat of war. Referencing UNESCO’s motto, he reminded the audience that because wars begin in the minds of men and women, the defences of peace must also be constructed there.

His remarks came against a backdrop of intense global conflict, including the ongoing war in the Middle East and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Pope declared that "humanity has come to realise that scientific progress, when it's severed from wisdom, can turn into a weapon of destruction."

He further qualified the nature of conflict itself, stating that war remains "the most terrible of human works." This sentiment reflects a longstanding Catholic teaching while addressing the contemporary reality that modern weaponry, including nuclear arsenals, poses an unprecedented threat to civilization.

The Pope also addressed the current crisis facing international institutions. He acknowledged that organizations like UNESCO are viewed with "mixed feelings" globally. On one hand, they are seen as vital bodies capable of tackling challenges that no single state can face alone. On the other hand, they are often criticized for undergoing a "crisis of effectiveness."

A key obstacle to institutional success, according to the Pope, is the perception that dialogue is an impediment to action rather than a prerequisite for it. In response, he called for a restoration of trust among nations.

"Trust that differences do not necessarily pose a threat. Trust that sincere dialogue can bring about a greater good than what each person could achieve alone," he urged.

These comments highlight the delicate diplomatic landscape in which the Vatican operates. Tensions between international bodies and major powers have risen in recent years. In July 2025, the Trump administration announced its intent to withdraw from UNESCO, citing cultural and political disagreements. The withdrawal is scheduled to take effect in December 2026, further complicating the multilateral cooperation the Pope advocates for.

Visit to the Elysée and Domestic Tensions

Earlier in the day, Pope Leo XIV was welcomed to the Elysée Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron. The ceremony included diplomatic authorities, representatives from various religious communities, and firefighters who had responded during the Notre-Dame-de-Paris fire.

During his address to French leadership, the pontiff reaffirmed the importance of the human right to life. This stance places him in direct tension with certain provisions of French law, reflecting a broader clash between the Catholic Church and secular politicians in France.

France enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution in 2024. Additionally, earlier this year, the French parliament passed a controversial law permitting assisted dying in extreme medical situations. These legislative moves have revitalized debates between Vatican teachings and French civil law.

The Pope qualified the right to life as "the indispensable foundation to every other human right." His remarks served as a subtle but firm reminder of the Vatican’s moral position within a secular republic.

He also took the opportunity to reiterate the Vatican’s staunch opposition to nuclear weapons. Calling out the "mistaken belief" that nuclear deterrents provide viable security solutions, he argued for a world free of such arsenals.

Following the palace meeting, the Pope participated in a parade through Paris in his popemobile. The visit concluded with Vespers at the Notre-Dame-de-Paris cathedral and a major evening prayer vigil with young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

The papal tour serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing global leadership: balancing technological ambition with ethical constraints, maintaining international cooperation amid political fragmentation, and navigating the friction between religious morality and secular governance.