Pope: Concerns about artificial intelligence should be taken seriously

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Pope Leo XIV said today, Monday, that concerns that artificial intelligence could destroy the world are not "fake news" and should be taken seriously, in a clear rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump. The first American pope has warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence throughout his 16-month papacy, directly criticizing technology company executives who have pushed for no restrictions on this technology.

The pope said at a press conference held on the plane while returning to Rome after a four-day trip to France, "I really believe that the concerns raised by a number of experts and specialists in the field of artificial intelligence should be taken seriously." He added, "I do not believe that this is fake news, as some have said." Trump stated before the United Nations General Assembly last week that he believes concerns about the risks posed by artificial intelligence to humanity are a "hoax." The pope mentioned that he read today that the CEO of Nvidia, the chip manufacturer, announced that there might be a way to introduce controls in certain models of artificial intelligence. However, Leo expressed his doubts, adding, "He is the same person who says that there should be no restrictions or government regulation."

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told CBS News this month that he agrees with Trump that concerns about the safety of artificial intelligence are exaggerated. Leo urged the world to "encourage dialogue, study, and investigation, to find ways to ensure that artificial intelligence does not reach a stage where it can destroy humanity." The pope said, "I believe there are enough people seriously concerned about this matter... but we must continue to work. We cannot just sit idly by and pretend that nothing will happen."