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Pope Francis made history by being the first Catholic Church head to address the G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy. The 87-year-old Pope delivered a powerful message urging leaders to adopt a cautious approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and ban the use of lethal autonomous weapons. He emphasized the importance of maintaining human dignity in the development and use of AI to avoid turning human relations into mere algorithms. Pope Francis highlighted both the potential dangers and exciting possibilities of AI, calling on politicians to create conditions for its fruitful and responsible use.
The Pope described AI as an extremely powerful tool, emphasizing that the ethical use of such technology is crucial. He underlined the need for human control over AI decisions, stating that humanity’s ability to make choices about themselves and their lives should not be taken away by machines. Pope Francis warned against the future consequences of allowing machines to make autonomous decisions, stressing that the ultimate decision-making responsibility must remain with humans.
During the G7 Summit, the Pope’s address resonated with world leaders as they pledged to coordinate regulatory frameworks surrounding AI to keep it human-centered. They acknowledged the impacts of AI on labor markets and the justice system, promising to pursue inclusive, human-centered digital transformation that maximizes benefits and manages risks. The focus on respecting human rights and democratic values in AI development and use was a key highlight of the summit.
In the wake of the boom in generative AI technology, Francis called for an international treaty to ensure ethical AI development and usage. He urged politicians to ban the use of lethal autonomous weapons, commonly known as “killer robots.” The G7 leaders recognized the importance of responsible AI use in the military domain and encouraged compliance with international laws to enhance global security.
The Pope’s participation in the G7 Summit brought renewed attention to the ethical considerations of AI and strengthened the call for regulations to safeguard human values. His message resonated with leaders who have been actively engaging in debates on AI oversight and regulations. As countries worldwide grapple with the implications of AI technology, the focus on human dignity and ethical decision-making remains paramount for a future that benefits all of humanity.
