21.08.2026 17:50
Pope Leo XIV, head of the Vatican State, stated that artificial intelligence developments must be guided to protect human rights and dignity, and called on political leaders to implement legal regulations to prevent this technology from becoming a tool of ideological and economic colonialism.
Pope Leo XIV, Head of State of the Vatican, called on political leaders to direct technological developments in the field of artificial intelligence in a way that protects human rights and dignity.
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RISKS BECOMING A TOOL OF COLONIALISM"
According to the Vatican News website, the Vatican's publication outlet, the Pope addressed members of the International Catholic Legislators Network and made assessments regarding artificial intelligence. Warning that the rapid development of artificial intelligence could create new technological dependencies, especially for poor countries, the Pope stated that this technology carries the risk of turning into a tool of "ideological and economic colonialism."
The Pope called on lawmakers and political leaders to guide technological innovations in the field of artificial intelligence in a way that protects human rights and dignity.
"LEGAL REGULATIONS ARE NEEDED"
Stating that there is a need for legal regulations that support technological progress while also guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms, the Pope said these regulations should protect users from exploitation, ensure personal privacy, provide transparency, and strengthen democratic institutions.
The Pope stated, "The world does not need a technology that diminishes the value of humanity."
"MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS" ENCYCLICAL
In May, Pope Leo XIV had published the encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas," which contains principles for the protection of humanity in the face of artificial intelligence and developing technologies and sets out the Catholic Church's approach to artificial intelligence.
The encyclical emphasized that artificial intelligence mechanisms should not be concentrated in the hands of a few, and called on large technology companies working on artificial intelligence to slow down their competition.
Noting that artificial intelligence carries the risk of driving the world into an endless war, the encyclical stated that states and international organizations are obliged to provide fair rules and effective protections regarding developments in artificial intelligence that affect human lives.