Pope Leo XIV warns AI could become tool of economic domination

Addressing the International Catholic Legislators Network, Pope Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence threatens to become a new form of economic colonialism, widening the gap between rich and poor countries. He described a "subtle form of domination" where algorithms control visibility and digital platforms influence public discourse without accountability, undermining workers’ dignity. The pontiff called for robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, and an accountable political system to ensure AI does not serve a single ideology or interest.

He also reiterated that AI should not erode family structures by reducing people to data and making family life financially precarious. Commentators noted that his remarks echo themes from his earlier AI encyclical, positioning the Vatican as a moral voice in the tech debate.