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‘Exploitation, slavery’: Pope Leo Takes Bold Stand Against AI

Herald Sun

ENRICHED

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Date Published
25 May 2026
Priority Score
4
Australian
Yes
Created
25 May 2026, 04:00 pm

Authors (1)

Description

Pope Leo XIV has issued a dire warning about the threat of artificial intelligence in the first major theological document of his papacy, calling for “rigorous restraints.” SUBSCRIBE to see what he said.

Summary

Pope Leo XIV has issued a significant theological manifesto warning that unregulated artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to human dignity and could lead to modern forms of exploitation and slavery. The document calls for 'rigorous restraints' and the potential 'disarming' of AI systems that lack human-centric ethical safeguards. This intervention reflects a growing global advocacy for ethical governance frameworks to mitigate catastrophic social and existential risks associated with unconstrained frontier AI development. The Pope's stance adds substantial moral and political weight to the international discourse on AI safety and the necessity of binding global regulations.

Body

‘Exploitation, slavery’: Pope Leo takes bold stand against AIPope Leo XIV has issued a dire warning about the threat of artificial intelligence in the first major theological document of his papacy, calling for “rigorous restraints.” SUBSCRIBE to see what he said. Sale now on Unlock this story and more with your subscription Full Digital Access What’s included Unlimited articles on app & web Subscriber-exclusive newsletters A digital version of Today’s Paper Enjoy puzzles SuperCoach Plus stats & analysis while playing LIMITED TIME OFFER Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $1 a month for 2 monthsThen $35 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access $1 charged monthly for a duration of 2 months, after which it automatically renews at $35 charged monthly. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.heraldsun.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $22 a month for the first 12 months($264 min. cost). Then $22 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access 12 Month Plan costs $264 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $22 every month. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $22 (min. cost) every month. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.heraldsun.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Pay As You Go $1 a month for 2 monthsThen $35 charged monthly.* Subscribe now Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.