Pope Leo XIV Calls for International Institutions to Regulate Artificial Intelligence

2026, October 31

Vatican City / International

Pope Leo XIV has called for the creation of international institutions capable of ensuring that artificial intelligence is developed and used responsibly. Speaking at a Vatican gathering of AI researchers and specialists on 30 October, he described establishing an effective institutional ethical framework as the most urgent challenge facing the industry. He called for shared international standards, independent oversight and clear accountability mechanisms to address potential harm caused by AI technologies.

The Pope also warned against allowing machines to be treated as human beings or entrusted with life-and-death decisions. His intervention comes as governments and technology companies increasingly debate the risks of advanced AI, including misinformation, privacy violations, cybersecurity threats and the potential loss of human oversight. He stressed that the future of artificial intelligence depends on decisions being made now by developers, businesses and political leaders.