Pope Leo XIV Urges UN to 'Disarm' AI, Demanding Ban on Lethal Autonomous Weapons

In a significant intervention in the global debate on artificial intelligence governance, Pope Leo XIV has issued a stern call for the "disarmament" of AI systems, emphasizing that machines are fundamentally tools rather than persons. During his Friday Papal Address, the Pontiff urged United Nations member states to take concrete steps toward banning lethal autonomous weapons, a directive that aligns with his broader theological and ethical framework regarding the safeguarding of human dignity in the age of rapid technological advancement. The address reflects the core tenets outlined in Pope Leo’s first major encyclical in May, which focused on "safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence." The Pope explicitly warned against the dangers of granting AI systems legal personhood or rights, stating that such a move would undermine the moral agency of humanity. He asserted that decisions affecting human life, freedom, and the use of force must always remain subject to effective, informed, and responsible human oversight, rejecting any notion of algorithmic autonomy in critical life-and-death scenarios. This stance builds upon the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who in 2024 called for a ban on autonomous weapons, declaring that "no machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being." Pope Leo has made AI a central theme of his pontificate, suggesting that his choice of name is a deliberate nod to Pope Leo XIII, who presided over the Church during the Industrial Revolution. This historical parallel underscores the Pope’s intent to confront the profound societal shifts brought by modern technology with the same moral clarity that defined the 19th century. Concluding his address, Pope Leo called for international institutions to safeguard the common good from AI-related risks. He advocated for the establishment of shared standards, independent oversight, and clear mechanisms of accountability. These measures are intended to ensure that decisions concerning the development and use of AI can be examined, challenged when necessary, and accompanied by appropriate remedies for any harm caused, thereby establishing a robust ethical framework for the future of technology.