Pope Leo XIV has expressed concerns that artificial intelligence, which he described as a "paradise of machines," could undermine humanity by raising fundamental questions about human identity. During his visit to France on September 25, 2026, he addressed thousands of attendees at the Elysee Palace, including President Emmanuel Macron and various diplomats, emphasizing the need for ethical education to navigate technological advancements.
The pope cautioned against allowing scientific progress to devolve into profit-driven ventures that could lead to genetic manipulation, surrogacy, the trade in human organs, or assisted dying, referencing a recent bill passed in France that legalized assisted dying. He reiterated the Vatican's stance against nuclear weapons, labeling the doctrine of nuclear deterrence as "mistaken" and contributing to a new arms race.
Identifying AI as a significant challenge, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of regulation and urged developers to prioritize the common good. He noted the paradox of attributing intelligence to machines while failing to recognize the inherent dignity of human beings, who are often judged by their productivity.
The pope expressed optimism that his message was resonating with AI developers and hoped for ongoing dialogue between technology companies and the Vatican. He stated that many in the tech industry are open to ensuring that AI serves humanity rather than displacing it.
This visit marks the first official papal trip to France in 18 years, where the pope emphasized that authentic secularism should not exclude religion from public life or education. An estimated 300,000 people attended the pope's events in Paris, where he engaged with worshippers and prayed with them at a stadium near the city.