Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent first manifesto
Pope Leo XIV has released his first encyclical, urging a slowdown in the development of artificial intelligence. He warns that AI can spread misinformation and exacerbate conflicts, calling for stronger legal frameworks and oversight. The Pope also addresses the ethical implications of AI in warfare and highlights the ongoing issues of modern slavery related to technology production.
- ▪Pope Leo XIV's encyclical warns against the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
- ▪He calls for ownership of AI data to be shared and emphasizes the need for robust legal frameworks.
- ▪The Pope critiques the just war theory and expresses concerns about the ethical use of AI in warfare.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent first manifestoSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPope Leo XIV presents his highly anticipated first encyclical spanning artificial intelligence, war and slavery. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 25, 2026, 05:51 PMUpdated May 25, 2026, 05:54 PMListenVATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV urged governments to slow down the development of artificial intelligence systems in his first major document, released on May 25, warning that they spread misinformation, prioritise conflict and risk leading the world down a path of unending war.Pope Leo, who has adopted a more forceful tone in recent months and has drawn the ire of US President Donald Trump after criticising the Iran war, made a range of impassioned appeals to world leaders in…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.