Pope Leo XIV has warned that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence could undermine human dignity if left unchecked, speaking during his first official visit to France as pontiff. Addressing President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, the pope cautioned against creating a "paradise of machines" where human life is evaluated strictly by productivity and efficiency rather than inherent worth.
Speaking to government officials and diplomats at UNESCO headquarters, Pope Leo called for urgent education in ethical discernment for technology developers and the public. He stressed that artificial intelligence should serve as a tool for humanity rather than replace or displace people. The pope, who focused his first encyclical on AI ethics, noted that tech developers have shown openness to ongoing dialogue with the Vatican on safe regulation.
The four-day papal visit, the first to France in 18 years, also addressed broader ethical concerns. Pope Leo warned against commercializing scientific progress through genetic manipulation, surrogacy, organ trade, or assisted dying—referencing France's recent passage of assisted-dying legislation. He also reiterated the Vatican's opposition to nuclear weapons, calling nuclear deterrence doctrines mistaken.
Crowds of around 300,000 people turned out across Paris to welcome the pope on Friday, according to Vatican estimates. Pope Leo traveled through the capital in his popemobile before leading prayers for thousands of worshippers at the Stade de France stadium, urging the public to maintain authentic human values in an increasingly technological age.