On October 30, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed global leaders from the Vatican, insisting that artificial intelligence must remain a tool under human control. He urged stronger oversight, accountability, and international cooperation to ensure AI serves society rather than becoming a weapon of mass destruction.
APOSTLE Leo warned that granting legal personhood to machines could obscure human responsibility. He said decisions impacting life, freedom, and the use of force must always be guided by informed human supervision.
The Pope also called for lethal autonomous weapons to be disarmed, urging nations that will convene in Geneva in November to adopt concrete measures. He added that AI systems should be built for reliability, benefiting all, especially the vulnerable.
Vatican officials said the declaration precedes the UN General Assembly session where member states will discuss AI governance. The Pope's message arrives amid growing calls for a global treaty on autonomous weapons.