Pope Leo XIV has warned against the growing influence of artificial intelligence, urging the world to ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of human dignity, responsibility and values.
The Pope issued the warning on Friday at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron at the beginning of his four-day visit to France.
Leo XIV cautioned against the danger of “losing our humanity amid a paradise of machines,” highlighting concerns over the growing influence of artificial intelligence on society.
Artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity are among the key themes of the Pope’s visit, which runs from September 25 to 28 and includes stops in Paris, Lourdes and Metz.
The Vatican had earlier said the trip would address issues surrounding society, humanity, scientific and technological progress, as well as artificial intelligence.
The Pope’s warning came a day after he told members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences that artificial intelligence could be used for manipulation and discrimination.
He stressed that greater technological power must be accompanied by greater responsibility to protect human dignity.
Leo XIV’s arrival in France drew crowds as preparations continued for several major public events. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected in Paris on Saturday, with a large Mass scheduled as one of the major highlights of his visit.
The Pope is also expected to travel through parts of Paris in the popemobile, while security measures have been tightened around major locations, including the Champs-Élysées and areas surrounding the events.
His itinerary includes a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral and an encounter with young people at the Stade de France. He will also visit UNESCO, where artificial intelligence, education, culture and humanity are expected to feature prominently in his engagement with the international community.
The pontiff will later travel to Lourdes, where about 150,000 people are expected for Mass, before concluding the trip in Metz on Monday.
In Metz, Leo XIV is scheduled to pay tribute to Robert Schuman, one of the founding figures of the European Union and a devout Catholic who is currently being considered for beatification.
The Vatican has described the four-day journey as an opportunity for the Pope to engage French society on issues including human dignity, peace, technological development, artificial intelligence and Europe’s future.
The Pope’s message places human dignity at the centre of the debate over AI, as technological advances continue to reshape how people live, work and interact with one another.