In a historic move, Pope Francis became the first pontiff to attend a G7 summit, where he called upon the leaders of the world's wealthy nations to prioritize human dignity in the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Pope's address highlighted the potential risks of AI technology, cautioning that it could reduce human relations to mere algorithms.

Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, extended an invitation to Pope Francis to speak at a special session on the perils and promises of AI, recognizing the ethical implications that have increasingly come to the forefront of international discourse. Taking the helm, the Pope emphasized the need for politicians to take a proactive role in ensuring that AI remains human-centric.

One of the Pope's key concerns was the delegation of decision-making power to machines, even in areas such as the use of lethal weapons. He stressed that such decisions must always remain in the hands of humans, rather than being solely determined by AI algorithms. Francis warned that stripping individuals of their ability to make choices about their own lives, and compelling them to rely solely on AI, would eradicate hope for the future.

"We need to ensure and safeguard a space for proper human control over the choices made by artificial intelligence programs: Human dignity itself depends on it," asserted Pope Francis.

Interestingly, the pontiff himself has not been immune to the influence of AI-generated mischief. Last year, doctored images of the Pope sporting a stylish white puffer jacket and a bejeweled crucifix spread like wildfire across social media platforms. These images were created using the AI software Midjourney, highlighting the growing impact of AI technology in various spheres.

The spread of AI and the issue of migration were among the major topics discussed by world leaders at the G7 summit. Following his address, Pope Francis, in his iconic white robes and wheelchair, engaged in separate meetings with the G7 leaders. He was greeted with applause and spent approximately 25 minutes conversing with them.

The Pope's poignant words serve as a reminder that while the benefits of AI are undeniable, its development and application must prioritize human values and preserve the essentiality of human agency. As the world grapples with the increasing influence of AI, the ethical guidance provided by Pope Francis holds significant weight in shaping the future of this transformative technology.