Pope Leo XIV warns AI risks becoming tool of 'economic colonialism'

Published Aug 25, 08:18 PM UTC

Pope Leo XIV addressed the International Catholic Legislators Network, warning that artificial intelligence risks becoming a new form of 'economic colonialism' that deepens the gap between wealthy and poor nations. He described algorithms as creating 'a subtle form of domination' over who is seen and heard in digital spaces, and criticized AI for eroding family life by reducing persons to data and distorting desire. The pope called for robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, and political responsibility to prevent any single ideology from controlling AI values. Political consultant Christopher Hale noted that the pope's religious authority makes him a unique opponent for Silicon Valley, as he cannot be bought or intimidated, and that his moral language broadens AI criticism beyond leftist circles to mainstream and populist audiences. The address reiterated themes from his encyclical 'Magnifica Humanitas' and implicitly challenged the Trump administration's deregulatory AI approach.