Pope Leo XIV Denounces Rising Military Spending and AI Weaponization at La Sapienza

During a pastoral visit to La Sapienza University in Rome, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful speech condemning the sharp global increase in military spending and the dangerous integration of new technologies into warfare. Addressing students, professors, and staff, the Pontiff highlighted conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon as evidence of an inhumane spiral of annihilation driven by technological advancement. He urged young people to become architects of true peace, emphasizing that they are desires rather than algorithms, and criticized societal pressures that reduce individuals to mere numbers. The Pope specifically called for strict monitoring of artificial intelligence development in both military and civil spheres to prevent the exacerbation of conflicts. He praised the university's commitment to education and humanitarian aid, including support for migrants and those fleeing war zones. Furthermore, he described teaching as a form of charity and warned against the contamination of reason by geopolitical war narratives. The speech underscored the need to redirect scientific research toward vital, life-affirming purposes rather than deadly applications, fostering harmony among peoples and protecting the Earth.