Pope Leo XIV Warns of "Spiral of Annihilation" from Military AI Investment

ROME — During a visit to La Sapienza University in Rome, Pope Leo XIV issued a strong critique of the growing global investment in artificial intelligence for military purposes, warning that such developments could lead to catastrophic consequences.

"This path could lead to a spiral of annihilation."

The Pontiff called for peace in conflict zones including Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, and emphasized the urgent need for ethical oversight in the development of AI technologies.

A Personal Encounter with Gaza's Suffering

During the same visit, the Pope met with Palestinian students from Gaza who had arrived in Italy through a humanitarian corridor. One student, Nada Rahim Jouda, shared her deep concerns for family members still trapped in the conflict zone.

The meeting underscored the human cost of war that the Pope later referenced in his broader remarks on technology and peace.

A Broader Ethical Focus

Leo's statements at La Sapienza are consistent with his growing emphasis on AI ethics—a theme he is expected to address comprehensively in his upcoming encyclical.

The Vatican has increasingly positioned itself as a voice for ethical guardrails in technology, with the Pope calling for a future where innovation serves peace rather than conflict.