Catholic Leader Calls AI Safety Risks Real and Urgent

September 29, 2026 - 13:08

The head of the Catholic Church has pushed back against the idea that warnings about artificial intelligence are exaggerated or invented. He said the dangers linked to AI are genuine and deserve serious attention from governments, technology companies, and the public.

Speaking about the rapid spread of automated systems, he noted that concerns about safety are not "fake news" and should not be dismissed as fearmongering. He stressed that the technology carries real consequences for jobs, privacy, and human dignity, and that ignoring those risks would be a mistake.

His comments add to a growing debate among world leaders, researchers, and faith groups about how to guide the development of AI. Some argue that innovation should move quickly, while others warn that without clear rules, the technology could cause serious harm.

The message was simple: the questions raised about AI are not imaginary, and treating them as such could leave societies unprepared. He called for careful reflection and responsible action, urging those who build and regulate these systems to put people first. According to him, the stakes are too high for the issue to be brushed aside or treated as a passing worry.