Will Pope Francis Oppose the AI Revolution? Expert Weighs In

Vatican City, Italy – May 23, 2025 – In a recent segment on the Italian television program "In altre parole," prominent journalist Aldo Cazzullo explored the potential challenges facing Pope Francis regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Cazzullo drew thought-provoking parallels between the current technological revolution and the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century, referencing Pope Leo XIII's encyclical Rerum Novarum. He stated, "Pope Leo XIII's concerns about wealth concentration during the Industrial Revolution resonate strongly with today's AI-driven inequalities." Cazzullo further highlighted the potential for AI, combined with cloning, to create a "post-human" world, a scenario he described as "terrifying." However, he also acknowledged the potential benefits of AI, emphasizing the need for responsible development and deployment to prevent its misuse against humanity. The discussion underscores the growing need for ethical considerations in the development and use of AI, a topic of increasing global concern.