Pope Leo calls for global AI slowdown, warns of endless conflict

Pope Leo has called on world leaders to slow the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and introduce stricter oversight, warning that unchecked AI development could fuel misinformation, deepen global tensions and contribute to continuous conflict, as per reports.

In his first major encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), the pontiff reportedly argued that governments must take a more active role in regulating AI instead of allowing technological growth to move faster than ethical and political safeguards.

He stressed that control over AI data and systems should not remain concentrated in private corporations and urged protections for workers, children and vulnerable communities affected by the technology.

The 43,000-word document, reportedly considered one of the highest forms of papal teaching, was prepared over the past year following Leo’s election as pope. The first American pope has recently adopted a stronger tone on global political issues and has openly criticised military escalation, including the Iran conflict.

Alongside concerns about AI, the encyclical strongly condemned modern warfare, describing the world as increasingly dominated by violence and power struggles while peace is treated as temporary and fragile. Leo reportedly criticised the influence of the arms industry and warned that some governments could use war to divert attention from domestic political problems.

As per reports, the pope also rejected the long-standing “just war” doctrine, saying it has too often been used to legitimise armed conflicts. His remarks come as some political leaders, including figures in the administration of Donald Trump, have referenced the doctrine in defending recent military actions.

Leo argued that AI should never be allowed to make lethal military decisions independently and said any military use of the technology must face strict ethical limits.

At a Vatican event launching the document, Chris Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, one of the world's top AI companies , welcomed the pope’s intervention. He reportedly acknowledged that AI companies operate under intense commercial pressure and said external scrutiny is necessary to ensure responsible development.

The encyclical also focused on labour exploitation linked to the technology industry. Leo highlighted the harsh conditions faced by workers producing electronic devices and mining rare earth materials, including children working in dangerous environments to support the global tech supply chain.

In a notable section, the pope acknowledged the Catholic Church’s delayed condemnation of transatlantic slavery and formally apologised for the Church’s historical failures on the issue.

Drawing on the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, Leo reportedly warned against human ambition driven by pride and unchecked technological power. He urged governments, companies and citizens to work together for the common good rather than pursuing progress without moral responsibility.

The pope concluded by encouraging people not to become hopeless about the scale of AI-related challenges, insisting that individuals, institutions and governments all still have a role in shaping a safer and more ethical future.