Pope Francis warns about AI, calls for international treaty

In a significant address, Pope Francis expressed concerns over the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, suggesting that these innovations could threaten human dignity, justice, and labor. This sentiment reflects the evolving relationship between the Catholic Church and technology, which has been developing over the past decade. The Vatican has been actively engaging with top executives from Silicon Valley, including discussions aimed at finding ethical frameworks to govern AI technologies. For instance, meetings with influential figures like Microsoft President Brad Smith have led to initiatives like the Rome Call for AI Ethics, which promotes responsible governance of AI. Pope Francis previously indicated a lack of familiarity with computers but has become increasingly aware of the implications of AI. His stance against a potential 'technological dictatorship' underscores the Vatican's call for a legally binding international treaty to regulate AI. This stance highlights the Church's commitment to ensuring that technological advancements benefit humanity rather than exacerbate social inequalities. The Vatican's document on AI emphasizes the need for a superior regulatory authority to prevent a concentration of wealth and power within a handful of technology companies, framing the pressing questions of governance and ethical considerations at the forefront of this debate.