Pope Francis issued a challenge to leaders of the world’s wealthy democracies on Friday, urging them to prioritize human dignity in the development and use of artificial intelligence. He warned that the powerful technology runs the risk of reducing human relationships to mere algorithms.
Addressing a special session at the Group of Seven summit in Italy, Francis became the first pope to attend the G7. He provided an ethical perspective on AI, a topic increasingly prominent in international summits, government policies, and corporate discussions.
Francis underscored the importance of ensuring that AI remains centered on humanity, with decisions about the use of weapons or other tools always remaining in human hands, not those of machines. He stressed the necessity of maintaining human control over AI programs to preserve human dignity.
He joined the global call for stricter regulations on AI following the rise of generative artificial intelligence, exemplified by OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot.
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During his peace message this year, the Pope called for an international treaty to ensure ethical AI development. He argued that technology devoid of humane values such as compassion, mercy, and morality poses significant risks.
While not explicitly restating this call in his speech at the G7, Francis emphasized the responsibility of politicians to lead on the AI ethics issue. He advocated for the prohibition of lethal autonomous weapons, commonly known as “killer robots.”
Addressing the G7 leaders, he urged them to utilize AI responsibly and emphasized the political duty to create conditions for its positive and fruitful use.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni invited Francis to the summit, recognizing the impact of his moral authority on the G7. His presence captivated those in attendance, highlighting the potential influence of his star power.
Francis emphasized the need for human ethics to guide AI development, cautioning against risks to peace and society if ethical considerations are sidelined.
Regulatory efforts surrounding AI are underway, with G7 members actively involved in the debate. Leading nations like Japan, the European Union, and the United States have initiated regulatory frameworks to address AI challenges.
Francis concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of ethical discussions in the realm of technology, asserting that human values and responsibilities must guide AI development to ensure its beneficial use.
On the sidelines of the AI discussions, the Pope engaged in bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, further emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in technological advancements.
