Brief
Pope Leo XIV Urges Serious AI Safety Measures Amid Trump’s Dismissal
During a press conference on a flight back to Rome, the Pope called for global action on AI safety, while President Trump called the concerns a hoax.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Monday, Pope Leo XIV addressed reporters aboard his flight back to Rome, insisting that worries about artificial intelligence going rogue are not "fake news" and must be taken seriously. The pontiff, who has dedicated his first encyclical to AI and the protection of humanity, urged the United States and China to discuss and act on safety measures to prevent catastrophic risks.
Leo criticised technology CEOs who argued against guardrails, noting that the head of Nvidia had suggested ways to insert limits into certain AI models. He expressed scepticism about the feasibility of such measures without broader safeguards.
President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called AI safety concerns a hoax, was asked by the Pope about what the United States and China should do to mitigate risks. Trump’s comments echoed his earlier stance that efforts to limit AI are part of a conspiracy by political opponents.
The Pope’s remarks come after a four‑day tour of France that included a record‑setting Mass in Paris, attracting over 800,000 attendees. The visit also saw the Pope welcoming journalists aboard his flight, countering Trump’s recent attempts to restrict media access.
Key facts
- Pope Leo XIV said AI safety concerns are not fake news (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Pope urged the US and China to discuss and act on AI safety (winnipegfreepress.com)
- President Trump called AI safety concerns a hoax (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Pope criticised tech CEOs who opposed guardrails (aljazeera.com)
- Pope’s four‑day France tour ended with a Mass that drew over 800,000 people (aljazeera.com)
Background
The Pope’s comments follow his recent four‑day tour of France, during which he welcomed journalists aboard his flight and held a Mass that attracted more than 800,000 attendees. Trump’s recent ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House has heightened tensions over media access and press freedom.
Timeline
- 2026-09-25 — Pope Leo XIV welcomes journalists amid Trump media restrictions
- 2026-09-24 — Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Paris draws half a million
- 2026-09-28 — Pope Leo XIV draws 800,000 to Paris Mass amid France’s secular debate
Why it matters
The Pope’s stance highlights a growing global debate over AI governance, contrasting sharply with the United States’ leadership position on the issue.
What happens next
No immediate policy actions announced; the Pope called for international dialogue on AI safety.
