Pope Leo has issued a stark warning about the future of AI as he demands major change.
Artificial intelligence is continuing to reshape the world as we know it, with evidence that the technology is already impacting our working lives.
Experts have since been ringing the alarm bells over what this may mean for future generations, with some economists advising youngsters to pursue careers in traditional industries, like plumbers, electricians and decorators, that typically will remain in demand and require human touch.
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Famous geniuses have also spoke about the permeating threat of the technology, including both Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates.
Now, the new Pope Leo has weighed in on the controversial debate several times, showing just how concerned he is about it.
The Chicago-born head of the Roman Catholic Church has wasted no time in issuing his stark warnings ever since he came to the lofty post on May 8 this year.
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Within weeks, he argued the Church ought to be standing up for workers' rights across the globe, stating: "In our own day, the Church offers everyone the treasury of its social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor."
Now, he's touched on the topic again, this time voicing concern AI could have adverse affects on the development of young people, intellectually, neurologically and spiritually.
Delivering the message to a major conference on AI in ethics, that was partly held in the Vatican, Pope Leo stressed his concern over the emerging tech and its possible implications for humankind.
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“All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development,” he said.
"Our youth must be helped, and not hindered, in their journey towards maturity and true responsibility," while stressing that they 'are our hope for the future.'
“Society’s well-being depends upon their being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities. In the end, authentic wisdom has more to do with recognising the true meaning of life, than with the availability of data.”
The pope was reportedly pleased that the conference took place from the Apostolic Palace as he said it the setting presents a 'clear indication of the Church’s desire to participate in these discussions that directly affect the present and future of our human family'.
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He added that while AI is 'undoubtedly an exceptional product of human genius,' it is, 'above all else, a tool'.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost even went so far as to pick his papal name, Pope Leo XIV, in a nod to the threat.
The former Pope Leo XIII came to the position during the start of the Industrial Revolution, during which he made the plight of workers and their human rights a top priority.
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The new pope's comments also come as his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, similarly issued such warnings during his 12-year tenure.
Francis had called for an international treaty to regulate AI and urged global leaders and politicians to ensure that vital decisions ultimately still fall on the shoulders of humans.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Catholic Church, Pope Leo, Technology, Religion
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