- Pope Leo XIV warns against artificial intelligence’s dangers at UNESCO
- Pope Leo XIV warns of artificial intelligence risks during France visit
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Pope Leo XIV warns against artificial intelligence‘s dangers at UNESCO
During a speech at UNESCO in Paris, Pope Leo XIV cautioned that artificial intelligence must serve humanity, rather than contribute to domination and injustice.
Pope Leo XIV’s call for further regulatory oversight of artificial intelligence highlights increasing global concerns regarding the ethical implications and potential exploitation of vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Pope Leo XIV stated, “New technologies must remain at the service of the human person, rather than becoming yet another instrument of domination and injustice.”
AI must serve humans, rather than ‘become an instrument of domination and injustice’, pope warns

Pope Leo XIV warned against the dangers of artificial intelligence on Friday, stating that new technologies must “remain at the service of the human person”, rather than becoming “yet another instrument of domination and injustice.”
Speaking at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris as part of his four-day trip to France, the pontiff declared that AI risks impoverishing human “ideas and relationships” through a “process of dehumanisation”, while also criticising the ever-growing emphasis on productivity in modern societies.
Delivering his speech in both French and English, he argued that judging people according to the “criterion of efficiency” risked undermining respect for human dignity, leading “those who are no longer productive” to be rejected and discarded.
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a prominent theme of the Pope’s pontificate. In May, he published his first 42,300 word encyclical entitled “Magnifica humanitas”, which addressed the risks that unchecked artificial intelligence creates for humans, arguing in favour of further regulatory oversight.
In his speech, the Pope stressed the need to ensure that emerging technologies offer adequate safeguards for children, stating that the “vulnerability” of young people must “never become an opportunity for exploitation.”
European policymakers have been grappling with how to protect children from online harms, with measures such as school phone bans already in place, while the European Commission has proposed the Kids Act, which could restrict social media access for children under 13, gaining increasing attention.
‘The most terrible of human works is war’
The Pope also addressed war and reference UNESCO’s motto, “since wars begin in the minds of women and men, it is in the minds of women and men that the defences of peace must be constructed.”
His remarks come as the world grapples with multiple ongoing conflicts, including the Middle East and Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Against this backdrop, the Pope declared that “humanity has come to realise that scientific progress, when it’s severed from wisdom, can turn into a weapon of destruction.”
He also reflected on the role of international institutions, saying they are viewed “with mixed feelings”: on the one hand acting as bodies which tackle challenges that “no single state can face alone”, while also “undergoing a crisis of effectiveness, especially when dialogue is seen as an obstacle to action.”
In response, the pontiff called for greater “trust.”
“Trust that differences do not necessarily pose a threat. Trust that sincere dialogue can bring about a greater good than what each person could achieve alone,” he said.
The comments come as international cooperation faces growing political tensions. In July 2025, the Trump administration announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO, describing the organisation as “woke”, culturally divisive and “out-of-step” with the policies supported by Americans who voted the US President in. The decision is set to take effect in December 2026.
A morning visit to the Elysée
Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Pope to the Elysée Palace, alongside a number of figures including diplomatic authorities, firemen who intervened during the Notre-Dame-de-Paris fire and representatives from various religious authorities.
During his address, the pontiff reaffirmed the importance of the human right to life — a tense sticking point between France’s Catholic Church and politicians.
France enshrined the right to abortion to its constitution in 2024 and earlier this year, a controversial law in favour of assisted dying in extreme medical situation was passed, which revived some of these tensions.
The pontiff qualified the right to life as “the indispensable foundation to every other human right.”
He also addressed the global situation by reaffirming the Vatican’s staunch opposition to nuclear weapons, calling out the “mistaken belief” that nuclear deterrents provide solutions.
After his UNESCO speech, the pontiff whisked away in his popemobile for a parade through Paris, before Vespers at the Notre-Dame-de-Paris cathedral and a major evening prayer vigil with young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Media Lens: Pope Leo XIV warns of artificial intelligence risks during France visit
Story focus: Pope Leo XIV warns of AI risks in France.
Primary entity: Pope Leo XIV | Region: France
Pope Leo XIV warns of the risks posed by artificial intelligence during his visit to France. This marks the beginning of his three-day trip aimed at addressing these concerns.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
Pope Leo XIV began a three-day visit to France, where he addressed concerns regarding the risks associated with artificial intelligence. During his visit, he warned that a “paradise of machines” could undermine humanity, emphasizing the need for caution as technology continues to advance.
The Pope’s remarks were made in various locations throughout France, underscoring his message about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. This visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement for the Vatican as global discussions about technology and its impact on society gain traction.
Status quo
Pope Leo XIV is currently on a three-day visit to France, during which he has expressed concerns regarding the risks posed by artificial intelligence to humanity. This visit comes amid growing discourse about the implications of AI on society and personal well-being. The Pope’s warnings highlight the need for careful consideration of technological advancements and their impact on future generations.
Confirmed facts
- Pope Leo XIV is currently on a three-day visit to France.
- During his visit, he has warned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence to humanity.
- This warning has been echoed by multiple sources, highlighting concerns over technology’s impact on society.
- The Pope’s comments reflect a broader caution regarding advancements in AI and their implications for the future.
Preconceptions
- The Guardian prioritises the Pope’s explicit warning about the risks of artificial intelligence, focusing on its potential threat to humanity during his visit to France.
- AP News emphasizes the notion of a “paradise of machines” undermining humanity, framing the Pope’s remarks within the broader context of his visit, alongside insights from multiple authors.
- Axios provides a concise headline while stressing the Pope’s warning against the dangers posed by technological advancement, suggesting a modern and urgent tone.
- BBC, while covering the Pope’s visit, places less emphasis on the specific warnings about AI, instead focusing on the overall purpose of the visit to France without delving deeply into the AI theme.
- The Guardian and AP News highlight the Pope’s anxiety about AI, whereas BBC leans more towards contextualising the visit rather than centering on the technology risks discussed.
Elisions
- The Guardian reports on Pope Leo XIV’s AI warning primarily in the context of his France trip, while AP News includes details about his previous engagements, creating a gap in comprehensive coverage of his itinerary and associated events.
- While Axios emphasizes the phrase “paradise of machines” in the Pope’s statements, BBC focuses on the question of why the Pope is in France, leaving out direct commentary on AI’s impact, highlighting a difference in thematic focus across sources.
- AP News provides quotes from multiple journalists regarding the Pope’s views, while The Guardian offers a more narrative-driven account, resulting in varied representations of the Pope’s comments and diminishing some analysis depth in The Guardian’s report.
One story, four angles
The Guardian – Pope Leo warns of AI threat to humanity at start of three-day France visit
Publication: The Guardian | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Medium
Expand
Espresso Shot: The reader’s immediate focus is directed towards the Pope’s stark warnings regarding the dangers of AI as he commences his trip to France, emphasizing the urgency of the discourse around technology’s impact on humanity.
Key differences:
1. The Guardian’s headline utilizes “warns of,” indicating a call to attention compared to others’ less urgent phrasing, e.g., “threatens humanity.”
2. They emphasize the geographical context of “France,” framing the discussion within a specific political and cultural backdrop.
3. The article focuses on the Pope’s visit, embedding the AI warning within broader themes around faith and morality.
Bias: Selection: Highlights the Pope’s role and authority on the topic | Language: Uses strong, cautionary phrases like “warns of AI threat” to incite concern | Omission: Lacks technical analysis on AI’s benefits which could have provided a balanced view.
Assessment: The reader believes the Pope’s warnings should be taken seriously and reflects broader concerns about technological advancements.
AP News – Pope warns a ‘paradise of machines’ could undermine humanity as he opens France trip
Publication: AP News | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Medium
Expand
Espresso Shot: The headline captures the reader’s attention with a vivid metaphor, “paradise of machines,” setting a tone of skepticism about technological advances inherent in AI discussions as the Pope begins his visit.
Key differences:
1. The AP News employs the phrase “could undermine humanity,” suggesting potential rather than immediate risk, unlike The Guardian’s more direct warnings.
2. The metaphor “paradise of machines” indicates a nuanced view that contrasts the allure of technology with its potential to harm.
3. The focus is broader, addressing the concept of machines without specifying AI alone, which opens the discussion to various technologies.
Bias: Selection: Emphasizes the metaphor to create an emotional response | Language: Suggests potential consequences rather than certainties, softening the warning | Omission: Does not discuss any positive contributions of AI, which could showcase innovation too.
Assessment: The reader believes in the dichotomy of technological benefits versus risks introduced by the Pope, suggesting a complex relationship with AI.
Axios – Pope: “Paradise of machines” threatens humanity
Publication: Axios | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Low
Expand
Espresso Shot: This headline grabs the reader’s interest by quoting the Pope directly, emphasizing his descriptive language and framing the discussion of AI around human vulnerability.
Key differences:
1. Axios uses a direct quote which adds authenticity and urgency: “Paradise of machines”.
2. It simplifies the narrative around AI to a singular threat, contrasting with the broader discussions in other publications that include multiple technologies and contexts.
3. The emphasis is on humanity’s outlook in a simplified format, potentially attracting a wider audience interested in the Pope’s views.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on the sensational quote to engage readers quickly | Language: The choice of “paradise” implies irony but may mislead on the complexity of the topic | Omission: Neglects context about the Pope’s past discussions on technology and AI’s constructive roles.
Assessment: Readers interpret the Pope’s message as a critical stance against the unregulated advancement of technology, heightening fears of AI implications.
BBC – Why is the Pope in France?
Publication: BBC | Intensity: (5/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: Readers are prompted to consider the multifaceted purpose of the Pope’s visit, focusing less on his warnings and more on the broader context of this trip to France.
Key differences:
1. The BBC’s headline is more analytical, seeking to inform rather than elicit immediate concern.
2. It lacks urgency, addressing curiosity about the trip rather than the potential dangers posed by AI, unlike other headlines.
3. Focuses on framework rather than outcomes, discussing motives which gives it a more balanced perspective.
Bias: Selection: Highlights the overall purpose of the visit while minimizing controversy | Language: Neutral phrasing lacks emotional charge compared to other outlets | Omission: Doesn’t address AI-related discussions occurring during the visit, missing a critical angle of the story.
Assessment: The reader believes the Pope’s visit is primarily exploratory and informative rather than focused on addressing imminent threats.
In coverage of Pope Leo XIV’s remarks on AI risks, The Guardian emphasizes a “threat to humanity,” presenting a dramatic warning on the potential consequences of unchecked AI, reflecting strong escalation in framing. AP News adopts a similar but slightly less intense angle, describing a “paradise of machines” that could undermine humanity, which still hints at significant risk but with less urgency. Axios employs a more hyperbolic twist with the phrase “paradise of machines,” suggesting an AI utopia that may threaten social structures, intensifying its escalatory framing. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
The Guardian
Pope Leo warns of AI threat to humanity at start of three-day France visit
AP News
Pope warns a ‘paradise of machines’ could undermine humanity as he opens France trip
Axios
Pope: “Paradise of machines” threatens humanity
BBC
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