Pope Leo XIV warned that control over artificial intelligence must not remain in the hands of a few people [1, 2].
This warning comes as the Catholic Church weighs in on the ethical governance of emerging technologies. The pontiff's concerns center on the potential for a small group of power-holders to impose their will on the global population through algorithmic control.
The Pope presented these ideas in his first major theological document [1, 2]. In the text, he argued that the current trajectory of AI development is not merely a technical concern but a moral crisis that threatens international stability.
He specifically noted that the technology is currently fueling conflicts around the world [1, 2]. By intensifying existing tensions, AI tools may exacerbate geopolitical instability, making the need for broad, inclusive oversight more urgent.
"The control of artificial intelligence must not remain in the hands of a few," the Pope said [1].
The Vatican's position emphasizes a shift toward decentralized governance to prevent the weaponization of AI. The pontiff suggested that without a global framework for equity, the digital divide will widen, leaving vulnerable populations at the mercy of corporate or state interests [1, 2].
This theological approach treats AI governance as a matter of human rights and global peace. The document calls for a collective effort to ensure that technological advancement does not come at the cost of human dignity, or sovereign security [1, 2].
“"The control of artificial intelligence must not remain in the hands of a few,"”
The Vatican is positioning itself as a moral arbiter in the AI debate, shifting the conversation from technical safety to the geopolitical distribution of power. By framing concentrated AI ownership as a catalyst for global conflict, the Pope is calling for a regulatory model that prioritizes international diplomacy over market-driven development.
