The first American pope delivered the message to an annual conference on AI and ethics, part of which took place in the Vatican this week.
“All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development,” the pope said.
“Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility.”
The pontiff described how new generations have unprecedented, quick access to data and information, while noting they must not confuse this access to data with intelligence.
“In the end, authentic wisdom has more to do with recognizing the true meaning of life, than with the availability of data,” Leo said.
Leo acknowledged AI has been used in positive ways, pointing to research in health care and science.
But he warned of the possibility the emerging technology can be used for “selfish gain at the expense of others” or “to foment conflict and aggression.”
The pope said AI, especially generative AI, “also raises troubling questions of its possible repercussions on humanity’s openness to truth and beauty, on our distinctive ability to grasp and process reality.”
Since being elected pope in early May, Leo has made the risks of AI on humanity a key priority of his papacy. In his first official address to cardinals in May, the pope warned of the challenges AI poses to the “defense of human dignity, justice and labor.”
The mission resembles that of Pope Leo XIII, who pushed for workers’ rights amid the industrial revolution, and a Vatican spokesperson told media outlets the name choice was “not a casual reference.”
Read more in a full report at TheHill.com
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