Pope Francis warns of AI dangers

Artificial intelligence could fuel conflicts and antagonism, Pope Francis warned in a message shared by the Vatican.

The message described advances in artificial intelligence (AI) as “remarkable” but also noted its “disruptive possibilities and ambivalent effects.”

Francis stressed the importance of being “vigilant” so that a “logic of violence and discrimination does not take root in the production and use of such devices at the expense of the most fragile and excluded.”

Otherwise, this will lead to injustice and inequalities that could “fuel conflicts and antagonisms,” he said in a message released for the next World Peace Day that will fall on January 1st.

Traditionally shared in advance, the message also noted the “urgent need to orient the concept and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity.”

While the 86-year-old pontiff previously said he did not know how to use a computer, he frequently shares his thoughts on modern technology and its impact on society, recently stating that “even priests and nuns” watch pornography online.

Francis has a sizable social media following and does not shy away from selfies. Earlier this year, AI-generated images of the “swagged-out” pope wearing a Balenciaga puffer jacket went viral.

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