In his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV cautioned against what he described as a global competition for increasingly powerful algorithms and vast datasets, driven by geopolitical ambitions and commercial interests.
The pontiff also warned that artificial intelligence risks creating “new forms of slavery,” pointing to the exploitation of workers such as content moderators and miners involved in supplying materials for AI technologies.
He argued that technological progress cannot be considered liberating if it results in new systems of dependence and exploitation that undermine human dignity.
Calling for stronger oversight of the rapidly expanding AI sector, Pope Leo XIV said artificial intelligence must be “human-friendly” and effectively “disarmed” to ensure it serves society ethically rather than becoming a tool of domination or abuse.
via Reuters
