Pope Leo urged governments Monday to slow the development of artificial intelligence systems and warned against the rise of autonomous weaponry [1, 2].

The call for restraint comes as AI integration accelerates across global military and civilian sectors. By issuing his first major encyclical focused on AI ethics, the Pope is positioning the Catholic Church as a moral arbiter in the debate over algorithmic governance and digital warfare [1, 2].

In the document, Pope Leo said AI is currently spreading misinformation and prioritizing conflict [1, 2]. He said the rapid pace of innovation is outstripping the creation of necessary safeguards, leaving society vulnerable to systemic instability [1, 2].

The Pope specifically highlighted the danger of AI-powered weapons, saying that some are practically beyond human control [1, 2]. This lack of oversight, he said, necessitates the implementation of rigorous ethical constraints to prevent catastrophic outcomes [1, 2].

The encyclical calls on world leaders to prioritize human dignity over technological efficiency. The text suggests that without a global consensus on ethics, the deployment of AI may exacerbate existing social inequalities, and erode the concept of human agency [1, 2].

While the Vatican does not have legislative power over tech companies, the encyclical serves as a formal diplomatic appeal to the international community. The document encourages a collaborative approach to regulation that emphasizes the protection of human life, and truth [1, 2].

“Some AI-powered weapons are practically beyond human control.”

This move signals a shift in the Vatican's diplomatic strategy, moving from general moral guidance to specific policy interventions regarding emerging technology. By focusing on 'human control' and 'misinformation,' the Pope is aligning the Church with current secular debates on AI safety and the existential risks of autonomous lethal weapons systems.