Pope warns against AI as usage increases

Pope Francis, has warned against the misuse of artificial intelligence and the spread of misinformation, warning of their potential to “manipulate minds” and destabilize society.

“This phenomenon generates false images of reality, a climate of suspicion that foments hate, undermines people’s sense of security and compromises civil coexistence and the stability of entire nations,” the 88-year-old pontiff said in a speech read during his traditional New Year’s address to diplomats at the Vatican.

Francis, who has frequently spoken out against fake news, highlighted the role of modern communication tools in amplifying these tendencies.

According to AFP, he warned that such tools, including AI, could be exploited for economic, political, and ideological ends.

The address came just days after Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced the termination of its third-party fact-checking programme in the US, opting instead for a crowd-sourced model similar to Elon Musk’s approach with X.

Francis also emphasised the importance of media literacy education, urging efforts to promote critical thinking in the face of misinformation.

On broader societal concerns, the pontiff criticized “cancel culture” for silencing differences and prioritizing individual rights over collective responsibilities.

He also condemned attempts to reinterpret human rights treaties for divisive ideological purposes, singling out the framing of abortion as a “right” as contrary to the right to life.

Francis further warned that multilateral institutions risk becoming “like-minded clubs” that exclude differing perspectives, jeopardizing their ability to maintain global peace and stability.

The pope, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was unable to deliver the speech himself due to a cold but reiterated his call for unity, critical thinking, and respect for diverse viewpoints in an increasingly fragmented world.