Pope Leo: Warnings about AI risks are real, but he remains cautiously optimistic

# Quick summary Pope Leo XIV spoke with journalists aboard the papal plane on Sept. 28 after a four-day trip to France. He responded to questions about the debate over regulating artificial intelligence, stating that alarm over the technology is legitimate and should not be dismissed as "fake news." He called for dialogue among political leaders, developers and social organizations and said he remains "relatively optimistic" that meaningful guardrails can be put in place.

# What he said about the risks and regulation The pope directly addressed claims that AI could bring catastrophic risks to humanity. He rejected the idea of dismissing those concerns out of hand and said it would be irresponsible to ignore them. He described the debate as a problem that requires people to "sit down and talk about" how the technology is developing and what could lie ahead.

He also warned against allowing AI to become "another instrument of domination and injustice," echoing earlier remarks during his France trip that society must shape technology so it serves human dignity.

# Optimism and coordination with tech leaders Despite the warnings, Pope Leo said he is not panicked. He told reporters he sleeps at night and called himself "relatively optimistic" that tech companies can set up guardrails to keep control of AI. He cited the Vatican's ongoing coordination with technology leaders as a reason for that confidence, saying there are people willing to engage with development outside competitive questions like "who gets there first."

He urged a wider convening of political leaders, AI industry heads, social organizations and associations to assess current trends and future scenarios.

# Other topics addressed on the flight The pope commented on other issues raised by reporters during the same press conference:

• Sexual abuse in France: After meeting victims during his trip, Leo acknowledged that some victims described "systemic abuse." He said he prefers to frame the problem as a human problem with an added dimension when it occurs inside the church, because it wounds faith lives and can deeply harm survivors.

# What this means for policy and church engagement The pope is calling for concrete discussions across sectors rather than letting public figures dismiss concerns. His stance signals support for precautionary deliberation paired with engagement: take warnings seriously, bring stakeholders together, and seek mechanisms to prevent domination or injustice linked to technological change.

He balances that call with a statement of measured confidence in the ability of some companies and leaders to act responsibly. That balance may influence Catholic and international conversations about regulation and ethical standards.

# Bottom line Pope Leo wants debate and action on AI risks, not denial. He favors convening diverse actors to chart responses, remains cautious but hopeful about technical safeguards, and connects the technology conversation to broader themes of justice and human dignity discussed during his France trip.