Pope Francis Calls for Responsible Oversight of Artificial Intelligence at Davos
Pope Francis has urged world leaders, including political, economic, and business figures, to carefully regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking through a written message at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Thursday, he cautioned that AI could worsen the growing “crisis of truth” if left unchecked.
AI’s Promise and Peril
In his statement, read by Cardinal Peter Turkson, a Vatican official, Pope Francis acknowledged AI’s remarkable capabilities. However, he warned that its development brings “critical concerns” for humanity’s future. He pointed out that AI-generated content is now so sophisticated that it is often indistinguishable from human output. This, he said, raises pressing questions about its role in shaping public discourse and truth.
“The results that AI can produce are almost indistinguishable from those of human beings,” Francis noted. He emphasised that governments and businesses must act with “due diligence and vigilance” to address the challenges posed by this rapidly evolving technology.
Ongoing Ethical Focus
Since becoming the leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis has consistently highlighted the ethical implications of emerging technologies. He spoke on similar topics during the Group of Seven summit in Italy last June, warning against letting algorithms dictate human destiny.
The pontiff’s call for ethical oversight carries personal resonance. In early 2024, he became the subject of a viral deepfake image that falsely depicted him wearing an ankle-length white puffer coat. The incident underscored the urgent need for responsible AI regulation to prevent misuse.
A Shared Responsibility
With AI being a focal point at this year’s Davos meeting, Pope Francis’ message reinforces the need for collective accountability. His appeal reminds leaders that while AI holds vast potential, it also demands careful ethical scrutiny to ensure it benefits humanity without undermining the truth.
With inputs from Reuters
