Pope Leo warns AI could become a new form of ‘economic colonialism’

Pope Leo XIV spoke at the International Catholic Legislators Network's annual conference. Vatican Pool/Getty Images Pope Leo XIV addressed Christian lawmakers at a conference in Rome on Friday. He expressed concern over how AI could disrupt families and cause "economic colonialism." AI has remained a focal point for Pope Leo XIV throughout his papacy. Pope Leo XIV has a simple request for lawmakers tasked with shaping AI policy: put humans first. The pontiff encouraged them to implement laws that uplift their constituents at the International Catholic Legislators Network's annual conference in Rome on Friday. During his speech, Pope Leo cautioned lawmakers that putting tech over people could have dire consequences. "At the same time, the rapid development of artificial intelligence risks creating new forms of technological dependence, with poorer nations increasingly reliant on wealthier ones," he said.