At the G7 summit in Puglia, Italy, Pope Francis addressed world leaders on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI).
Pope Francis said that while AI is a powerful tool, “decision-making, even when we are confronted with its sometimes dramatic and urgent aspects, must always be left to the human person.”
During the G7 summit, hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Pope discussed both the benefits and risks of AI. He said positive aspects include the “democratization of access to knowledge” and the “exponential advancement of scientific research.” However, he also warned about the possible “greater injustice between advanced and developing nations.”
This is the first time a pope has ever attended the summit.
Pope Francis stressed the ethical considerations of AI, pointing out that algorithms are “neither objective nor neutral.” He raised concerns about AI’s limitations, particularly in the judicial system, where it may incorporate inherent biases. “Human beings are always developing and are capable of surprising us by their actions. This is something that a machine cannot take into account,” he said.
The Pope also urged the reconsideration of “lethal autonomous weapons” and called for their ban. He said we need “proper human control” over AI decisions to safeguard human dignity.
Pope Francis concluded his address by urging political leaders to create conditions for the ethical use of AI, saying, “It is up to everyone to make good use, but the onus is on politics to create the conditions for such good use to be possible and fruitful.”
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