Pope Leo XIV used the first day of his first papal visit to France in 18 years to issue a stark warning about artificial intelligence, saying the technology threatens to turn humanity into a "paradise of machines" if it is not kept under ethical control. The comment, delivered during a speech at the Élysée Palace and echoed in his address to UNESCO, marked the central theme of a trip that also featured liturgical events at Notre‑Dame and public appearances in Paris.
Itinerary and public reception
The pontiff arrived in Paris on Friday, where he was greeted by throngs of believers waving from the streets as his popemobile rolled past iconic landmarks. Young Catholics, many from the Anuncio movement, filled the squares with chants and paper fortune‑tellers, reflecting a surge of interest in the Catholic faith, as reported by France 24. After the procession, Leo led vespers inside the restored Notre‑Dame cathedral, praising the building as the "heart of a people" and highlighting its symbolic rebirth after the 2019 fire.
In a departure from traditional diplomatic protocol, the pope declined a state dinner, the Legion of Honour and a private meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, a decision highlighted by France 24 as an effort to keep the visit focused on its apostolic mission rather than political pageantry.
AI and ethical concerns
Addressing French officials at the Élysée Palace, Leo warned that "technology must remain at the service of people, not the other way round" and cautioned that unchecked AI could become an "instrument of domination," echoing language used by Newsweek. The Vatican’s message was reinforced in his UNESCO speech, where he linked AI development to broader cultural and peace‑building challenges.
"We are facing a 'paradise of machines' that could strip us of our humanity if we do not put moral limits on artificial intelligence," the pope said, according to the BBC.
The Vatican’s stance aligns with statements from other outlets, including CBC and qz.com, which reported that Leo called for AI to be governed by ethical principles that protect human dignity. He also warned against other scientific excesses such as assisted dying, surrogacy and euthanasia, framing the debate as a moral crossroads for modern societies.
Diplomatic outreach and broader messages
Beyond the AI warning, Leo used the France stop to underscore themes of peace, cultural heritage and press freedom. In a brief interview on the flight to France, the pope expressed solidarity with journalists facing restrictions, stating they were "all welcome," a comment noted by The New York Times. His UNESCO address also called for greater international cooperation to preserve cultural sites and promote dialogue across nations.
The visit, which also includes meetings with African leaders returning from a preceding tour, showcases Leo’s effort to balance traditional Catholic outreach with contemporary global concerns. As The Guardian observed, the pope’s message seeks to keep technology "in the service of humanity" while reinforcing the Church’s moral voice on emerging ethical dilemmas.
