French President Emmanuel Macron and Pope Leo XIV have highlighted concerns over artificial intelligence, human dignity and nuclear weapons during the pontiff’s first official state visit to France in 18 years.
Macron welcomed Pope Leo XIV to the Élysée Palace in Paris on Friday, September 25, at the beginning of the Pope’s four-day visit to France.
The French president described the visit as a source of hope for people facing conflicts and other crises around the world.
Macron calls for responsible AI development
Macron said humanity must remain at the center of technological development as artificial intelligence continues to advance.
He called for international oversight of increasingly powerful AI systems, warning against a situation where advanced technologies could be controlled by a small number of powerful actors or used to oppress people.
The French president and the Pope therefore addressed a common concern over how technological progress should be managed while protecting human dignity.
Pope warns of a ‘paradise of machines’
Pope Leo XIV echoed the concerns about AI, warning that technological advancement could undermine humanity if ethical considerations are ignored.
In his address, the Pope spoke of the danger of a “paradise of machines” invading and shaping everyday life.
He called for stronger education in ethical discernment so that people can distinguish between what technology makes possible and what is morally right.
Leo has repeatedly identified AI as a major challenge of his pontificate and has called for technology to serve people rather than diminish human dignity.
Pope challenges nuclear deterrence doctrine
The Pope also used his visit to reaffirm the Vatican’s opposition to nuclear weapons.
He described the nuclear deterrence doctrine as mistaken, arguing that it contributes to a new arms race that could become increasingly difficult to control.
Leo urged countries to pursue dialogue and justice as a foundation for peace rather than relying on a balance of military power.
The Élysée Palace said Macron and the Pope also discussed the war in Ukraine, peace and stability in the Middle East, climate change, artificial intelligence and cooperation with Africa.
