Pope Leo Issues Stern Warning, Urging World Leaders to Take Action

Pope Leo has once again issued an important appeal and a stern warning regarding the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He is urging developers and global stakeholders to ensure that this technology does not instead trigger a gap of division within society.

In a recent address, Pope Leo emphasised the importance of directing technological innovation so that it serves as an enhancer of the pillars of world peace, grounded in a vision of wisdom and compassion.

“In a world filled with conflict and division, the development of AI requires a vision derived from wisdom and compassion,” stated Pope Leo, as quoted by Reuters on Sunday (27/09/2026).

He added that the design and utilisation of AI must consistently serve the dignity of every individual and strengthen human bonds rather than destroying them.

Urging Strict Regulation and Highlighting the Risk of “Endless War”

This warning is not the first issued by Pope Leo. Issues regarding ethics and the threats posed by AI were also a primary focus in his first major encyclical or apostolic document released last May.

In that document, the Pope specifically warned that uncontrolled AI systems possess the destructive capacity to spread massive disinformation, trigger social conflict, and even drag the world into a vortex of “endless war.”

To protect society from these adverse impacts, Pope Leo also presented several crucial points of urgency:

• Data Sovereignty: The ownership and management of critical data must not be surrendered entirely to the interests of private corporations.

• Political Intervention: The need for more active and courageous political involvement to act as an “emergency brake” or to slow the pace of AI development amidst digital dynamics that are moving too rapidly.

• Legal Framework and Oversight: The establishment of a robust legal umbrella, the presence of independent oversight bodies, and adequate technological literacy education for end-users.