Pope Leo XIV warns France of AI and nuclear risks

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Paris on Friday for a four-day apostolic journey, his first official state visit to France in 18 years. Church bells tolled across the country as his charter flight landed at Orly airport, where he was greeted by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. The visit sparks significant public enthusiasm while reigniting ethical debates on technology and life.

His concern about human dignity extended to threats posed by artificial intelligence, a defining concern of his 16-month pontificate. In his opening address at the Élysée Palace, Pope Leo opened his trip by posing fundamental questions about what it means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence, a nuclear arms race, and other threats to life. He identified AI as one of the greatest challenges facing humanity since the start of his pontificate.

Macron seeks papal partnership amid declining popularity

With Macron barred from seeking a third term in May elections and his approval ratings near record lows, the Pope's presence offers a strategic opportunity to bolster his legacy. Hosting the pope is described as a capstone visit for Macron as his term ends. Macron smiled broadly as Leo spoke French and thanked him for the visit.

Analysts note it can be important for a president at the end of his mandate to be alongside the pope to capture part of his popularity. Macron said France stands for peace, effective multilateralism, respect for international law, and the UN Charter because every life has equal value. His approval ratings are near record lows due to anger over rising cost of living, criticism of France's growing debt and deficit, and deteriorating public services.

Pope warns of AI and nuclear arms race

Pope Leo XIV issued a warning about AI during his opening speech, stating that a 'paradise of machines' risks undermining humanity. He raised existential questions about scientific progress, life and human rights. Pope Leo reaffirmed the Vatican’s opposition to nuclear weapons and said the nuclear deterrence doctrine was 'mistaken' as it fuels a new arms race.

He declared the logic of nuclear deterrence flawed and driving dangerous new arms proliferation. Pope Leo appealed to AI developers and political leaders to slow down AI development. Several top AI companies have taken to heart Pope Leo’s appeal to slow down AI development. His first encyclical letter, Magnificent Humanity, demanded stronger oversight of AI and prioritized public interest over financial gain.

Public enthusiasm meets ethical tensions

Upwards of a million people are expected to turn out to see Pope Leo during his visit, which includes a stop at UNESCO headquarters, a vespers service at Notre-Dame, and a large youth vigil at the Paris stadium. This level of interest underscored the surprising public attention to his visit. People lined the streets of Paris as his motorcade passed.

The enthusiasm unfolds against a backdrop of deep ethical tensions. French lawmakers recently gave final approval to a bill allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication, and the right to abortion was enshrined in the French constitution in 2024. The French Catholic hierarchy strongly opposed these measures, in line with Catholic teaching that human life must be protected from conception until natural death.

Pope Leo called for France to remember that the right to life is the 'indispensable foundation of every other human right'. He restated the Church's opposition to assisted dying, criticizing science and technology as profit-driven ventures enabling assisted death. In his speech to Macron and authorities, Leo reminded France of its 'deep Christian roots', a theme he emphasizes more than his predecessor.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the Pope's visit brought 'a source of hope' to many people in France. Pope Leo has been keen to emphasise Europe’s Christian roots and push the church’s message about the value and dignity of human life. The Catholic Church has lost ground on influencing ethical issues in France due to strict secularism in the French Constitution.

Pope Leo XIV said: "Peace is not a balance of power; rather, it is built day by day through dialogue and justice." He then spoke to diplomats and United Nations employees at UNESCO headquarters. The Pope will lead a prayer service at the restored Notre-Dame cathedral, his first visit to the landmark as pope.