In a compelling address to the G7 leaders, Pope Francis underscored the urgency of ethical governance in the age of AI. “We must protect our common home of humanity, ensuring that Artificial Intelligence remains a tool for service, not a means of control,” he declared.

The Pope’s poignant remarks come as nations grapple with the rapid development of AI technologies. He emphasized that while AI has the potential to solve complex problems, it should not compromise human rights or dignity.

“Let us use AI to uplift the vulnerable, to enhance human capabilities, and to serve the greater good,” Pope Francis urged, highlighting the need for technology that aligns with moral values and serves all of humanity.

This call to ethical action sets a tone for the G7 summit, as leaders consider policies that prioritize human welfare in the technological landscape.

The G7 summit convenes leaders from the US, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Canada, and Japan. The host, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, also invited representatives from 10 additional countries, including India, Turkey, and Kenya.

During a visit to the conference room before his speech, Pope Francis received a warm welcome from fellow leaders. He embraced Argentine President Javier Milei, received a hug from Jordan’s King Abdullah, and a handshake from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He also engaged in a lengthy, private conversation with US President Joe Biden.

The Pope acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting both its potential and pitfalls. He noted its ability to generate excitement and expand global access to knowledge. However, he also expressed concern about its ability to exacerbate existing inequalities between developed and developing nations, or between powerful and disadvantaged social classes.

Pope Francis stressed the importance of responsible AI development, placing the onus on policymakers to create a framework that fosters its positive uses. This echoes Italy’s recent passage of a bill establishing ground rules for AI use and penalties for AI-related crimes. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also publicly voiced concerns about AI’s potential impact on employment.

In a draft closing statement, G7 leaders reportedly pledged to develop a strategy for addressing future skills and education needs in preparation for the coming AI revolution.

The Pope further highlighted AI’s potential to automate repetitive tasks and drive exponential growth in scientific research. However, he also warned of the possibility of AI becoming a tool for spreading misinformation. He stated that AI lacks the capacity for independent analysis or concept creation, relying solely on pre-existing data. This, he argued, raises concerns about AI legitimizing fake news and reinforcing established cultural biases.