Pope Leo XIV Urges UN Member States to Ban Lethal Autonomous Weapons
In a recent Papal Address, Pope Leo XIV called for the 'disarmament' of artificial intelligence, specifically urging United Nations member states to take concrete steps toward banning lethal autonomous weapons. Speaking ahead of an upcoming meeting in Geneva, the Pope emphasized that machines must remain tools rather than being granted legal personhood or rights. The address reinforces previous theological and ethical stances regarding AI development, stressing that decisions involving human life and force must always be subject to responsible human oversight. The Pope advocated for international institutions to establish shared standards, independent oversight, and clear accountability mechanisms to mitigate potential harms caused by rapid technological advancement.
Topics: AI ethics artificial intelligence autonomous weapons international regulation