Pope Francis warns against dangers of artificial intelligence; calls for ‘open dialogue’

Pope Francis has urged the world to engage in a comprehensive contemplation regarding the potential hazards of artificial intelligence, citing its ‘disruptive possibilities and ambivalent effects’.

The 86-year-old pontiff, who has previously confessed his unfamiliarity with how computers work, issued this warning on Tuesday as part of a message for the upcoming World Day of Peace of the Catholic Church, slated for New Year’s Day.

Breaking away from the norm, the Vatican has released the message well in advance to encourage global reflection on the matter.

“Pope Francis calls for an open dialogue on the meaning of these new technologies, endowed with disruptive possibilities and ambivalent effects,” the Vatican’s statement read.

“He recalls the need to be vigilant and to work so that a logic of violence and discrimination does not take root in the production and use of such devices, at the expense of the most fragile and excluded: injustice and inequalities fuel conflicts and antagonisms.”

The statement further revealed that the theme for the next World Peace Day event will be ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace’.

“The urgent need to orient the concept and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity and the protection of our common home, requires that ethical reflection be extended to the sphere of education and law,” the statement continued.

Technology ‘gift from God’, says Pope Francis

Intriguingly, despite his acknowledged technological limitations, Pope Francis acknowledged the value of digital advancements. The Pope – who admitted to being ‘a disaster’ when it comes to technology – referred to the internet, social networks, and text messages as ‘a gift of God’, as long as they are used judiciously.

“The protection of the dignity of the person, and concern for a fraternity effectively open to the entire human family, are indispensable conditions for technological development to help contribute to the promotion of justice and peace in the world,” the Vatican’s statement concluded.

In 2020, the Vatican formed a partnership with tech giants Microsoft and IBM, aiming to champion the ethical development of AI and advocate for the regulation of potentially intrusive technologies, including facial recognition. This collaborative effort reinforced the Pope’s call for responsible AI application.