Pope Francis’ speech at the Group of Seven meetings highlighted the crucial role of political leaders in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that it’s their responsibility to establish frameworks that leverage AI’s potential for humanity’s benefit while mitigating its risks. AI’s potential to exacerbate societal disparities and bolster a technocratic paradigm makes political efforts essential to ensuring that it serves as a defense against potential threats.
During the Puglia meeting, the Pope spoke with world leaders, promoting moral standards for AI development. He acknowledged that while AI is both exciting and concerning, it can advance science, increase access to knowledge, and worsen societal injustices. He urged for an international consensus on its proper use, expressing concerns about the ethical implications of AI.
He called for outlawing deadly autonomous weapons, emphasizing the need for human judgment in decisions affecting people’s lives and dignity. The Pope underlined that AI development must prioritize ethics due to its significant impact on power dynamics and social relationships.
He emphasized that ethical advancements in AI must prioritize the common good and human dignity, aligning with moral frameworks like the “Rome Call for AI Ethics.” Ultimately, Pope Francis urged political leaders to create the conditions necessary to ensure that AI benefits humanity, as politics has the ultimate responsibility to make this happen.
