Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong warning about the growing use of artificial intelligence in military operations, arguing that handing over life-and-death decisions to machines represents a grave threat to humanity and the values that sustain civilisation.
In his first message marking World Peace Day, released on Thursday, the pontiff said that advances in technology, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence into warfare, have deepened the suffering caused by armed conflict.
“Further technological advances and the military implementation of artificial intelligence have worsened the tragedy of armed conflict,” he said in the message.
He cautioned that political and military leaders are increasingly avoiding accountability by allowing machines to determine outcomes that directly affect human lives.
“There is even a growing tendency among political and military leaders to shirk responsibility, as decisions about life and death are increasingly ‘delegated’ to machines.
“This marks an unprecedented and destructive betrayal of the legal and philosophical principles of humanism that underlie and safeguard every civilisation,” he added.
Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, elected in May, has consistently emphasised the need for ethical boundaries in the development and use of artificial intelligence. Since assuming office, he has repeatedly urged governments and institutions to ensure that technological progress does not erode moral responsibility.
Across the world, several nations have begun deploying AI-driven systems for surveillance, cyber defence and combat operations. These include autonomous drones and missile defence systems powered by predictive algorithms, developments that have sparked growing ethical and legal concerns.
In the same message, the pope also criticised the exploitation of religion for political purposes, warning that faith is increasingly being misused to legitimise violence and division.
“Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common to drag the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence and armed struggle in the name of religion,” he said.
The 70-year-old pontiff further questioned the logic underpinning military strength, particularly the reliance on nuclear deterrence, describing it as fundamentally flawed.
He argued that such doctrines rest “on the irrationality of relations between nations,” and are founded “not on law, justice and trust but on fear and domination by force”.
The message was issued ahead of World Peace Day, which the Catholic Church observes annually on January 1.
What you should know
Pope Leo XIV’s message reflects growing global anxiety over the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in warfare.
By condemning the delegation of lethal decisions to machines, the pope is reinforcing long-standing Catholic teachings on human dignity, moral responsibility and the sanctity of life. His remarks also highlight broader concerns about the politicisation of religion and the dangers of militarism rooted in fear rather than cooperation.
As AI technologies continue to shape modern conflict, his intervention adds a significant moral voice to international debates on regulation, accountability and the future of warfare.
