December 14, 2023: In a significant statement addressing modern technology’s ethical challenges, Pope Francis has called for a legally binding international treaty to regulate artificial intelligence.
This call was made in his message for the Roman Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, set to be celebrated on January 1.
The Pope’s message, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Peace,” emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated international approach to AI regulation.
He pointed out the global reach of AI technology, stressing the importance of both individual states and international organizations in regulating its use.
Pope Francis, known for his critical stance on the armaments industry, specifically highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in weapons systems.
He called the research in lethal autonomous weapon systems, including AI weaponization, a matter of “grave ethical concern.”
He firmly stated that autonomous weapon systems cannot be considered morally responsible.
