**Pope Leo XIV Addresses AI Concerns During Flight from France to Rome**
Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the importance of addressing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), dismissing claims that such worries are merely “fake news.” Speaking to journalists on September 28, 2026, during a flight returning to Rome from a four-day visit to France, the pontiff reiterated that the risks associated with AI should be taken seriously and that proactive measures must be discussed and implemented.
The pope's remarks come in the context of ongoing debates about the potential dangers posed by AI technologies, particularly in light of statements made by prominent figures, including US President Donald Trump, who has referred to these concerns as a “hoax.” During the news conference, Pope Leo expressed his belief that the warnings issued by AI experts and specialists are valid and warrant significant attention.
“I do think that the concerns raised by many of the experts, specialists in AI, should be taken seriously,” he stated. “I don’t think that that is fake news, as some have said.” His comments reflect a growing urgency within the Vatican to engage with the ethical implications of AI development and its potential impact on humanity.
The pope's dedication to this issue is underscored by his first encyclical, which focuses on AI and the necessity of safeguarding humanity in the face of rapid technological advancement. This encyclical was notably launched in collaboration with Christopher Olah, co-founder of the AI research company Anthropic, during a Vatican event in May. The initiative aims to foster dialogue between the Vatican and Silicon Valley regarding the human costs associated with AI.
Pope Leo also referenced recent comments from Jensen Huang, the CEO of chipmaker Nvidia, who suggested that it might be possible to implement guardrails in certain AI models. However, the pontiff expressed skepticism about Huang's stance, noting that the CEO has previously advocated against government regulation of AI technologies. This highlights a broader tension between calls for safety measures and the push for unrestricted technological innovation.
In his remarks, Pope Leo urged global leaders and stakeholders in the AI field to come together to discuss the implications of AI and to seek solutions that prevent potential catastrophic outcomes. “We need to continue to invite political leaders, leaders of AI, social organizations, associations to come together and look at what is happening already and what could be down the road,” he said.
The Vatican has increasingly focused on international governance of AI, particularly in relation to nuclear technology, culture, and artistic creation. The pope's advocacy for dialogue and collaboration reflects a commitment to ensuring that AI development remains aligned with ethical standards and the well-being of humanity.
As the discussion around AI continues to evolve, Pope Leo XIV's position underscores the necessity for ongoing investigation and proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with this transformative technology. “I think that there are enough people seriously interested in that… but we have to keep working,” he concluded. “We can’t just sit back and pretend nothing’s going to happen.”
The pope's comments are part of a broader conversation about the responsibilities of technology leaders and governments in shaping the future of AI, and they highlight the Vatican's role in advocating for ethical considerations in technological advancement.