In a compelling statement marking the Roman Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, Pope Francis has advocated for a globally enforceable international treaty to oversee the development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI). The pope voiced apprehensions regarding the possible substitution of human values with algorithms and cautioned against the rise of a “technological dictatorship” that poses a threat to the survival of humanity.
Recognizing the worldwide influence of AI and its repercussions on society, Pope Francis underscored the necessity for individual nations to internally regulate its utilization. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of international organizations in fostering multilateral agreements and orchestrating the implementation and enforcement of AI regulations.
The pope urged the global community of nations to work together to adopt a binding international treaty that effectively governs the development and use of AI in various forms. His call comes when governments worldwide grapple with balancing the benefits of AI and the necessity of implementing safeguards.
Recent advancements within the European Union underscore the pressing need for addressing AI regulation. The EU has recently achieved a provisional agreement on groundbreaking regulations overseeing the utilization of AI, encompassing guidelines related to biometric surveillance and the administration of AI systems such as ChatGPT. Entities like OpenAI and Alphabet, the parent company of Google, persistently push the frontiers of AI technology, evoking both admiration and apprehension.
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of ethical scrutiny regarding the intentions and interests of AI’s owners and developers. He cautioned that specific applications of AI may pose risks to humanity’s survival and the well-being of our planet, commonly referred to as our “common home.”
The pope’s concerns extended to the weaponization of AI as well. He warned against using AI in weapons systems, highlighting the potential for catastrophic consequences. Francis stressed that moral judgment and ethical decision-making should remain the domain of humans, underscoring the necessity of maintaining adequate human oversight of weapon systems.
During a news conference, Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s human development office, clarified that Pope Francis is not opposed to technological advancements. Instead, the pope appreciates progress that serves humanity. However, the risks associated with AI make it a subject of particular concern for him, as it represents a high-stakes gamble for the future.
In calling for an international treaty to regulate AI, Pope Francis urges the global community to consider the ethical dimensions of this rapidly advancing technology. By emphasizing the need to retain human values and ensure meaningful human oversight, the pope encourages a responsible approach to developing and utilizing AI.
