Pope Leo warns of armament and AI: “Worrying”

In the Spanish Parliament

Pope Leo warns of armament and AI: “Worrying”

The Pope gives a speech in Spain that ends with a standing ovation and is described as “historic”. He speaks plainly about rearmament and migration – and also sets his sights on Europe.

Pope Leo XIV warned in the Spanish Parliament against increasing militarization and the use of artificial intelligence in weapon systems. It is “worrying that in various places around the world, including Europe, rearmament is once again presenting itself as an almost inevitable response to the instability of the international situation,” said the Pope on the third day of his visit to Spain.

The world is in a “deep intellectual and cultural crisis” that manifests itself in violence, polarization and mutual distrust. The head of 1.4 billion Catholics therefore called for more orientation towards diplomacy and international law. Armament and wars are not a solution.

True security comes from justice, dialogue, respect for international law and a policy that puts the well-being of the people above the interests of war, said the 70-year-old American. With regard to the military use of artificial intelligence, he emphasized that decisions about life and death should never be left to automated systems.

Referring to his recently published encyclical “Magnifica humanitas,” Leo emphasized that technological development is never neutral. It takes on “the characteristics of those who design, finance, regulate and use it”. What matters is what place people take in political and economic decisions.

Leo also addressed the “tragic migration crisis.” The situation of migrants and refugees requires a policy that focuses on people and combats the causes of flight. Discrimination based on origin, religion, language or social situation violates the principle of equal dignity for all people.

The issue is not just a demographic or economic question, but above all a moral and legal challenge for the international community. The Pope called for safe and legal access routes and a stronger fight against the causes of flight. At the end of his visit to Spain he wants to meet migrants in the Canary Islands.

Leo also warned against social polarization and called for more respect in political discourse. Differences should not lead to the devaluation of political opponents, but should be negotiated democratically.

After the speech, the Pope received minutes of applause, accompanied by shouts of “Bravo” and “Viva.” According to the media, the standing ovation lasted seven minutes. Commentators from broadcaster RTVE and other media described the appearance as “historic” and referred to the first speech by a pope in the Spanish parliament. In addition, Leo had shown that he wanted to continue the course of his predecessor Francis and find clear words on the most pressing problems of the present, it was said.