Pope Leo XIV has rejected claims that concerns about artificial intelligence posing catastrophic risks to humanity are 'fake news,' stating that such fears should be taken seriously. During a press conference on his flight back to Rome after a four-day trip to France, the pontiff addressed questions about the role of the United States and China in mitigating AI dangers. He directly criticized technology CEOs who argue there should be no guardrails on AI development, emphasizing the need for global dialogue and action.

The Vatican has increasingly focused on AI governance, particularly in areas like nuclear technology, culture, and artistic creation. Pope Leo, who dedicated his first encyclical to AI and its impact on humanity, has consistently warned about the technology's potential risks since his election. His remarks come amid growing international debate over AI regulation, with some leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, dismissing such concerns as overblown.

Trump, who recently called AI risk fears a 'hoax' at the U.N. General Assembly, has been a vocal critic of AI safety measures. Pope Leo, however, expressed skepticism about the stance of Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, who has echoed Trump's position. Huang told CBS News this month that safety concerns about AI are overblown, a view the pope has questioned. Leo noted that Huang is the same individual who advocates for no limits or government regulation on AI development.

The Vatican's push for AI governance reflects broader global efforts to address the technology's societal and ethical implications. Leo has called for collaboration among political leaders, AI experts, and social organizations to study and mitigate potential risks. He urged the international community to 'promote dialogue, study, investigation' to ensure AI does not reach a point where it could 'destroy humanity.' The pontiff emphasized that while there are enough people interested in addressing these issues, 'we have to keep working' to prevent complacency.

The Vatican's engagement with AI governance has included initiatives with Silicon Valley, such as a joint event with Anthropic’s cofounder Christopher Olah in May. This effort underscores the Church's interest in the human costs of AI and its potential to reshape society. However, the exact nature and scope of these initiatives remain unclear, with no detailed public information provided.

The Vatican's stance on AI governance continues to be a point of discussion, with some experts calling for more concrete regulatory frameworks. While Pope Leo's comments highlight the growing global concern over AI, the specific measures being proposed or implemented remain underdeveloped. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the balance between innovation and safety in AI development.