The Vatican (read this guide) Turns Its AI Campaign into Permanent Machinery
The Vatican is transforming its AI initiatives into a permanent entity this week, with a series of events focused on artificial intelligence and conflict.
September 21, 2026 - 12:01 pm
A captivating image of Pope Leo XIV offering his blessings to the faithful in Castelgandolfo is credited to Marco Iacobucci via Shutterstock.
AI4Peace Symposium
AI4Peace, a symposium on artificial intelligence and conflict, kicked off on Monday at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. The event featured a message from Pope Leo XIV delivered by Don Andrea Ciucci, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
"In a world marked by conflicts and divisions, the development of Artificial Intelligence requires a vision inspired by wisdom and charity, so that technological progress can serve the dignity of every person and strengthen the bonds that unite the human family." - Pope Leo XIV
While the message holds significance, the symposium's impact is even greater as it formally establishes the AI4Peace International Association, ensuring its longevity beyond a series of conferences.
Notable Speakers
Renowned figures such as Jeffrey Sachs, Jeremy Rifkin, and legal scholar Antoinette Rouvroy are among the speakers at this seminal event.
UNESCO Collaboration
On Friday, UNESCO will delve into AI's role in education and peace, with a keynote speech from Pope Leo XIV alongside Khaled El-Enany, the organization's director-general. This marks the first time the Pope has visited UNESCO in over four decades.
The Pope's Vision
The Pope's arguments in his recent encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, go beyond theological discourse, advocating for concrete actions to address AI's ethical and societal implications. He emphasizes:
- Data ownership as a common good, not solely controlled by the private sector.
- Age limits on data collection and accountability placed on platforms, not families, regarding children's online safety.
- Addressing income inequality in the workforce, warning against excessive pay for a select few while others struggle.
Since his election, Pope Francis has repeatedly returned to these themes, recognizing AI as another form of industrial revolution.
A Warning about AI's Impact
Francisco Rojas Aravena, rector of the United Nations University for Peace and symposium speaker, offered a stark perspective: "Artificial intelligence is closer to war than to peace." He emphasizes that achieving peace cannot merely involve the absence of conflict but requires proactive measures.
Ana-Maria Stanciuc Editor-in-Chief