Pope Leo urges AI ethics at summit with Silicon Valley execs

New Pope Leo XIV called on tech companies to uphold an “ethical criterion” in AI development that prioritizes human dignity on Friday. He addressed the second annual Rome Conference on AI.

He acknowledged AI’s potential for good, like boosting productivity and equality.

Speaking directly to attendees from Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, IBM, Meta and Palantir, and Ivy League colleges, the Pope warned that “access to data—however extensive—must not be confused with intelligence.”

He also expressed concern about the impact of AI on children’s cognitive development.

While the Vatican holds no regulatory power, it remains a prominent moral voice in the global AI debate.