- During a visit to France, Pope Leo XIV called for a rethink of artificial intelligence development and stronger education in ethical discernment.
- He warned that inadequate ethical oversight could allow technology to shape daily life and create a “paradise for machines” that erodes humanity.
- The Pope also opposed euthanasia, raised concerns about the commercialization of genetic manipulation and reaffirmed his support for press freedom.
Pope Leo XIV called for greater attention to the ethical implications of technological development during remarks at the Élysée Palace, Reuters reports.
“If we want to avoid losing our humanity amid a ‘paradise for machines’ that is intruding into our daily lives and shaping them, there is an urgent need for education in ethical discernment,” he said.
Leo XIV, the first American to serve as Pope, has made the risks associated with artificial intelligence one of the key themes of his pontificate. In June 2025, he described AI as the main threat to humanity.
Euthanasia and genetic manipulation
In his remarks, Leo XIV reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s position on protecting life and criticized initiatives to legalize euthanasia for people with incurable illnesses.
He also expressed concern about social trends that threaten to turn science and technology into commercial ventures enabling genetic manipulation, surrogacy, trade in human organs or the option of arranging one’s own death.
Support for press freedom
On board a flight to Paris, Leo XIV responded to a question about an attempt by U.S. President Donald Trump to restrict CNN and other media outlets’ access to the White House.
The Pope reaffirmed his support for press freedom and said representatives of all media outlets should be allowed to cover his visit.
Source: Incrypted
