Pope Leo warns of AI risks during first French visit in two decades

Pope Leo began his four-day trip to France by warning that the rapid development of artificial intelligence could create a future dominated by machines, describing it as a "paradise of machines" that might erode humanity. He said ethical education is urgently needed to prevent such a scenario, speaking inside the Élysée Palace.

The pontiff also reiterated the Catholic Church’s opposition to assisted dying, expressing concern about societal trends that could turn science and technology into profit-driven ventures involving genetic manipulation, surrogacy, organ trade or self-arranged death. His remarks come two months after French lawmakers approved a measure allowing assisted dying for incurable illnesses.

Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, was welcomed at Paris Orly airport by President Emmanuel Macron, the first lady, and children. He will attend a prayer service at the restored Notre-Dame cathedral and later address UNESCO staff in Paris. The visit also includes stops at the Lourdes shrine and the city of Metz near the German border.

The trip aims to improve the Church’s standing in France after abuse scandals that shocked the nation and to present a vision for Europe in a speech scheduled for Monday. He is set to meet several abuse survivors in Lourdes on Sunday.

"I am concerned … by those trends in society that risk turning science and technology into profit-driven ventures promoting genetic manipulation, surrogacy, the trade in human organs or the possibility of arranging one's own death," the pope said.

"It is a message which at this time, as we all may know, is particularly important," Leo added, describing his visit as a call for peace.

Public reaction included remarks from a Catholic passer-by who said the pope’s visit sent a positive signal to the country.