Pope Leo says AI risk concerns not ‘fake news’

What the report says

Pope Leo XIV used a news conference aboard his return flight to Rome after a four-day visit to France to push back against dismissing artificial intelligence safety concerns. According to Al Jazeera’s report, he said warnings from AI experts should be treated seriously and not brushed off as “fake news,” contrasting that view with politicians and technology leaders who argue fears are exaggerated.

The pope, who has made AI a central issue in his papacy and devoted his first encyclical to the topic, said the debate should focus on practical safeguards. He specifically pointed to the need for discussion and action by governments, AI companies and civil society, and said the world should work together to prevent technology from reaching a point where it could harm humanity.

Leo also referenced recent comments by Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang about possible guardrails in certain AI systems, while expressing skepticism toward claims that there should be no limits or government oversight. Al Jazeera reported that the Vatican has recently increased its emphasis on international AI governance, including in areas such as nuclear technology, culture and artistic creation.

The comments underline the Vatican’s broader effort to shape global conversation on AI ethics and regulation, especially as major tech firms and political leaders continue to disagree over how much oversight the technology needs.