Pope leo xiv advocates for AI disarmament and ethical oversight

On October 30, 2026, Pope Leo XIV called for the disarmament of AI systems, emphasizing that machines are tools, not persons. In a Friday Papal Address, he urged United Nations member states to take concrete steps toward banning lethal autonomous weapons during their meeting in Geneva next month. The address aligns with Pope Leo's May encyclical, which focused on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence. He reiterated that humans have the responsibility to guide, change, and, when necessary, reject AI applications. The Pope's remarks highlight concerns about the ethical implications of AI development and its potential misuse, urging global cooperation to ensure its responsible use. Pope Leo's call for disarmament reflects broader concerns about the militarization of AI and its impact on human dignity. His statements are part of an ongoing dialogue within the Catholic Church about the ethical boundaries of technological advancement. The Pope's address is expected to influence international discussions on AI regulation and the role of global institutions in shaping ethical standards for emerging technologies.