Pope calls for AI regulation, using technology for common good rather than profit

May 25, 2026 - 23:35

Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful call for global regulation of artificial intelligence on Monday, urging developers and governments to prioritize the common good over corporate profits. In a wide-ranging address at the Vatican, the pontiff warned that unchecked AI development risks deepening inequality, eroding human dignity, and concentrating power in the hands of a few tech giants.

"The promise of artificial intelligence must not be hijacked by the logic of the market alone," the Pope said. "We need rules that protect the vulnerable, ensure transparency, and keep human judgment at the center of every decision."

The speech comes as lawmakers around the world struggle to keep pace with rapid advances in AI, from generative text and image tools to autonomous systems used in healthcare, warfare, and policing. The Pope specifically highlighted risks in areas like facial recognition, predictive policing, and automated hiring, where biased algorithms can perpetuate discrimination.

He also called on tech companies to embrace ethical design from the start, rather than rushing products to market and fixing problems later. "Innovation without conscience is a danger, not a gift," he added.

The Vatican has been increasingly vocal on technology ethics in recent years. While the Pope did not endorse any specific legislative proposal, he urged international bodies to create binding treaties that place human rights above commercial interests. His remarks were met with cautious praise from advocacy groups, though some critics noted the difficulty of enforcing global rules in a fragmented regulatory landscape.