Pope Leo speaks about the use of AI in war, and condemns ongoing Gaza situation

Speaking to journalists outside Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday evening, Pope Leo XIV spoke against the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.

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Speaking to journalists outside Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday evening, Pope Leo XIV spoke against the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.

Parts of these remarks were reported by Vatican Media.

Referring to recent conflicts, including in Lebanon, Leo said that today “war is being waged with AI, without thinking about human lives, which are truly victims of all this.”

The pope also renewed his appeal for peace and spoke of the need to pursue what he described as a “disarmed artificial intelligence.”

He also called on the international community to assist the people of Gaza, adding that human rights must be respected “for everyone.”

He responded to a question about activists involved in the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, following reports that some had been handcuffed and blindfolded.

“We must renew our appeal for the respect of the human rights of every person,” the pope said. “Unfortunately, the people of Gaza are still not receiving humanitarian aid.”

He said the situation “is provoking protests” and with them complications, including those who were involved in the Flotilla.

“I would also like to renew this not only as an invitation, but truly as an appeal,” he continued, urging “all authorities to assist and accompany the people of Gaza, and to help begin reconstruction.”

“The people are truly suffering,” the ope said, adding that they “continue to suffer greatly.”

He was asked what it means when unarmed peace activists are met with violence.

“We are provoking more and more hatred,” he said, adding that “violence does not help. From any side”. Instead, the Pope stressed the need “to return to negotiations.”

“To seek, through dialogue, to resolve problems,” Leo said.

He also Responded to a question about how the Vatican intends to continue engaging with major artificial intelligence companies following the publication of his recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.

“There was a kind of joint work,” he explained, speaking about the collaboration between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the AI company Anthropic.

“I think is very important: to continue the dialogue and truly seek a disarmed artificial intelligence,” he told reporters.