Puglia, Italy - In a historic address to the G7 summit in Puglia, Italy, Pope Francis became the first Holy Father to address this forum, which includes leaders from the US, UK, Italy, France, Canada, Germany, and Japan. His speech centered on the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society.

AI: Dangers and Promises
Pope Francis described the advent of AI as a "true cognitive-industrial revolution" poised to bring about "complex epochal transformations." These changes, he noted, hold both positive and negative potential. On the positive side, AI could democratize access to knowledge, advance scientific research exponentially, and reduce arduous labor. Conversely, it also risks exacerbating injustices between developed and developing nations and between different social classes.

'Techno-Human Condition'
The Holy Father elaborated on the "techno-human condition," emphasizing that AI is fundamentally a tool. He explained that humanity's relationship with the environment has always been mediated by tools, which some see as a deficiency. However, he argued that this is actually a positive trait, rooted in humanity's inherent openness to what lies beyond, including openness to others, to God, and to creative pursuits.

Decision-Making: Humans vs. Machines
Addressing the subject of decision-making, Pope Francis highlighted the difference between algorithmic and human choices. While AI can make "technical" choices based on predefined criteria or statistical inferences, human beings are capable of "deciding" with wisdom and moral discernment. He stressed that crucial decisions, especially those involving human life, should always be made by humans, citing lethal autonomous weapons as an example of technology that should be banned.

Algorithms: Neither Objective Nor Neutral
The Holy Father warned that algorithms are not objective or neutral. He pointed to their use in judicial decisions, where they might reduce individuals to a set of data points, ignoring the potential for human growth and change. He emphasized that algorithms can only evaluate formalized numerical realities, which is inherently reductive.

AI-Generated Essays and Educational Impact
Pope Francis expressed concern over students increasingly relying on AI to write essays. He argued that generative AI merely repeats existing concepts in appealing forms, risking the undermining of genuine educational processes. Education, he stressed, should foster authentic reflection, not just the repetition of accepted notions.

Towards an “Algor-Ethics”
The Holy Father called for the development of an “algor-ethics,” a global set of pluralistic principles to guide AI development and use. He noted the growing difficulty in reaching consensus on social values and stressed the need for shared principles to navigate ethical dilemmas.

Necessity of Political Collaboration
Concluding his speech, Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need for political action to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. He called for inclusive political efforts to channel human creativity and progress in positive directions, ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity without stifling creativity or ideals of progress.