Pope Leo calls for AI systems that don't foster divisions

ROME (REUTERS) --  Pope Leo, who has warned of the risk that AI could lead the world ​down a path of unending war, on Monday ‌urged the development of AI systems that do not foster divisions in society but strengthen peace initiatives.

 

"In a world ​marked by conflict and division, the development of ​artificial intelligence calls for a vision inspired by ⁠wisdom and charity," the pontiff said in a ​message to a conference on AI issues held in ​Rome.

 

Leo, the first US-born pope, has made ​addressing the possible dangers of AI development a major theme of ‌his ⁠16-month-old papacy, first discussing the issue publicly on his third day as pope.

 

In his first major document, issued in May, Leo warned that AI systems spread misinformation ​and prioritise conflict. ​He urged ⁠international regulation of the industry.

 

Monday's conference, hosted at Rome's Pontifical Lateran University, was ​titled "AI4Peace." Speakers included US economist Jeffrey Sachs, ​Rome city ⁠council president Svetlana Celli and Francisco Rojas Aravena, rector of the UN's University for Peace, based in Costa ⁠Rica.

Leo's ​brief message was read aloud ​to attendees by Rev. Andrea Ciucci, chancellor of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy ​for Life.