Pope Francis has urged people to consider the ‘disruptive possibilities’ of artificial intelligence (AI) in a call for global reflection on its potential dangers.
In a message made in advance of the next World Day of Peace of the Catholic Church, the 86-year-old Pope stressed the need to ‘be vigilant’ and prevent a logic of violence and discrimination that could take root in the production and use of AI.
He highlighted the need to protect the most fragile and excluded of society.
“The urgent need to orient the concept and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity and the protection of our common home, requires that ethical reflection be extended to the sphere of education and law,” said a press release by the Holy See Press Office.
The theme for World Peace Day 2024, taking place on New Year’s Day, will be ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace’.
“The protection of the dignity of the person, and concern for a fraternity effectively open to the entire human family, are indispensable conditions for technological development to help contribute to the promotion of justice and peace in the world,” added the press release.
Pope Francis previously stated he does not know how to operate a computer. Despite his limited knowledge of technology, the Pope had previously deemed the internet, social networks, and text messages ‘a gift from God’ when used responsibly.
In 2020, the Vatican collaborated with tech giants Microsoft and IBM to advance the ethical development of AI and call for regulation of intrusive technologies like facial recognition.
Other public figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Steven Spielberg, Ashton Kutcher, Robert Downey Jr., Gene Simmons, Christopher Nolan, and more have also voiced their opinions on AI.
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