Pope Leo warns against AI, ‘soulless machines' in Vatican address
Speaking at an event attended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and parliamentary delegations from 68 countries, Leo revisited a topic that he has raised on a number of occasions during the first few weeks of his papacy.
'In particular, it must not be forgotten that artificial intelligence functions as a tool for the good of human beings, not to diminish them or even to replace them,' Leo said at an event held as part of the Roman Catholic Jubilee or Holy Year.
AI proponents say it will speed up scientific and technological progress and help people carry out routine tasks, granting them more time to pursue higher-value and creative work.
In a statement, Meloni said she would treasure the teachings of the pope who also condemned the gulf between the richest and poorest in society in his comments.
'Italy will continue its efforts, both nationally and internationally, to ensure that the development of AI is governed by humans and has the well-being of humans as its ultimate goal,' she said.
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