Pope Leo calls for the disarmament of AI: ‘Machines are tools, not persons’

International bodies are being asked to ban lethal autonomous weapons by next month.

Pope Leo XIV has urged United Nations member states to pursue concrete steps toward banning lethal autonomous weapons at their upcoming Geneva meeting. In his Papal Address, he emphasized that AI systems are tools, not persons, and stressed human responsibility for guiding and rejecting AI applications when necessary. This call aligns with his earlier papal document concerning the safeguarding of the human person amidst AI advancements. He reiterated that decisions impacting human life, freedom, and the use of force must retain effective human oversight. This stance echoes a similar call made by Pope Francis in 2024 against autonomous weapons choosing to take human lives. Pope Leo XIV, who chose his papal name to signify confronting technological advances, advocates for international institutions to establish shared standards, independent oversight, and clear accountability mechanisms for AI development and use.

Pope Leo XIV's call to disarm AI and ban lethal autonomous weapons positions the Vatican as a moral authority influencing global policy on AI ethics. By framing AI as a tool and not a person, the address underscores a fundamental ethical boundary, warning against granting rights or legal personhood to machines. This stance directly impacts ongoing debates within international forums like the UN, potentially accelerating regulatory efforts and shaping public perception of AI's role in warfare and society.

The emphasis on human oversight and accountability mechanisms suggests a proactive approach to preempting potential harms from AI. This could lead to stricter international agreements and standards for AI development, influencing how governments and corporations approach AI deployment, particularly in critical sectors. The Vatican's intervention may galvanize support for robust ethical frameworks, pushing for global consensus on responsible AI governance that prioritizes human control and well-being.