VETICAN CITY, Rome: Pope Francis is poised to deliver a groundbreaking address at the G7 summit, marking a historic moment as the first head of the Catholic Church to engage directly with global leaders on the subject of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite his age and the traditional nature of his institution, Pope Francis recognizes AI as a critical issue confronting humanity.
In his six-page document released on the Church’s World Day of Peace, Pope Francis celebrated the positive impacts of technological advancements on human welfare. However, he also cautioned against the risks associated with AI, such as disinformation and the exacerbation of social and economic inequalities. His call for a binding international treaty to regulate AI development underscores his commitment to ensuring its responsible use and preventing harm.
The Vatican’s interest in AI extends beyond mere oversight. Through initiatives like the Call for AI Ethics, the Vatican seeks to promote an ethical approach to AI development, engaging experts from various fields to contribute to the discourse. The inclusion of figures like Demis Hassabis, head of Google DeepMind, in the Vatican’s scientific academy demonstrates its commitment to understanding and shaping the trajectory of AI.
At the G7 summit, Pope Francis is expected to advocate for the protection of the most vulnerable populations in the face of AI’s advancements. His plea for attention to be paid to ethical considerations and the formulation of regulations without inducing unnecessary alarm reflects his desire to balance innovation with social responsibility.
Despite the Vatican’s lack of vested interests in the tech industry, Pope Francis’s message carries weight as a neutral observer. His focus on the technology’s potential to benefit humanity underscores the importance of prioritizing human welfare in AI development.
As the world grapples with the ethical implications of AI, Pope Francis’s address serves as a timely reminder of the need for ethical oversight and responsible innovation in this rapidly evolving field. His engagement with G7 leaders highlights the Vatican’s commitment to shaping a future where AI serves the common good while safeguarding human dignity and rights.
