Pope Leo XIV warned artificial intelligence could threaten human dignity. He made the remarks while beginning a France visit.
Pope Leo XIV began a four-day visit to France on Friday by warning that rapid advances in artificial intelligence could undermine human dignity and alter society’s understanding of what it means to be human. The pope raised the issue during meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and other officials in Paris.
Speaking at the Élysée Palace, Leo linked artificial intelligence to broader questions about scientific progress, human rights and the role of technology in society. He called for greater ethical consideration as computer systems become increasingly influential in everyday life and urged political leaders and technology developers to ensure that technological development remains directed toward human needs.
Leo has made artificial intelligence a recurring focus of his pontificate. His concerns center on the possibility that increasingly powerful technological systems could place efficiency and economic interests ahead of human dignity. During his France visit, he also addressed the responsibilities of governments and technology companies in determining how AI is developed and regulated.
The pope’s visit is his first official trip to France and includes stops in Paris, Lourdes and Metz. His schedule includes meetings with government officials, a visit to UNESCO headquarters, an appearance at the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral and a pilgrimage to Lourdes, one of the Catholic Church’s most important pilgrimage sites.
At Notre-Dame on Friday, Leo became the first pope to celebrate a service inside the cathedral since the 2019 fire that severely damaged the landmark. The building reopened in 2024 after a major reconstruction and restoration effort. Large crowds gathered along parts of the pope’s route through Paris, with organizers expecting substantial public attendance during the four-day visit.
The trip also places Leo’s views on human life and technology against the backdrop of France’s strongly secular political system. France incorporated abortion rights into its Constitution in 2024, while lawmakers have also approved legislation allowing assisted dying under specified circumstances. The Catholic Church has opposed both developments, and Leo reiterated the church’s position that human life should remain central to public policy discussions.
The pope is also expected to address peace and security during the visit. In Paris, he reaffirmed the Vatican’s opposition to nuclear weapons and criticized reliance on nuclear deterrence, arguing that continuing competition over nuclear capabilities risks contributing to another arms race. His itinerary will conclude in Metz, where he is scheduled to participate in an interfaith event and celebrate Mass.
Sources: Information from Associated Press, BBC, The Guardian, The Jerusalem Post and other reporting provided for this story was used to verify the developments.