Pope decries rise of AI-directed warfare, saying it leads to a spiral of annihilation

Key Points:

• Pope Leo XIV condemned rising investments in artificial intelligence and high-tech weaponry, warning they are driving the world toward a "spiral of annihilation," and called for peace in conflict zones including the Middle East and Ukraine during his visit to Rome's La Sapienza University.
• This visit marked the first papal appearance at La Sapienza since 2008, and included meetings with young Palestinian students recently brought to Italy via a humanitarian corridor to continue their education amid the Gaza conflict.
• The pope criticized the surge in military spending, particularly in Europe, highlighting its negative impact on education and healthcare funding, and urged responsible oversight of AI development to prevent escalation of conflicts.
• Emphasizing the value of life and justice, Leo stressed that education and research should promote peace rather than fueling war, themes he plans to address further in his upcoming encyclical on AI and ethics.
• Among the students he met was 19-year-old Nada Rahim Jouda from Gaza, who expressed gratitude for her new opportunities in Rome but remains deeply concerned about her family’s safety and health back home amid ongoing conflict.