Pope Leo XIV Warns AI Risks Economic Colonialism

Pope Leo XIV warned on Friday that artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant risk of evolving into a new manifestation of "economic colonialism," potentially widening the disparity between affluent and impoverished nations. Speaking to the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN), he articulated concerns that AI algorithms are already establishing "a subtle form of domination" by influencing visibility and audibility within digital spaces. The Pope urged constant vigilance to prevent technological innovation from becoming "another vehicle for ideological or economic colonialism." He elaborated that the accelerated pace of AI development could lead to poorer countries becoming increasingly reliant on wealthier nations for access to this technology. Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV described a "subtle form of domination" arising when algorithms determine who is seen and who remains unseen, when digital platforms shape public discourse without accountability, and when worker dignity is subjugated to system optimization. He characterized these outcomes as reflecting "a new face of the ancient temptation to domination and mastery without service." To counteract these dangers, the Pope advocated for the establishment of "robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users, and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility." This comprehensive approach, he stated, is necessary to ensure that "no single ideology or interest dictates the values embedded in artificial intelligence systems." The Pope's call for a responsible political system aligns with his prior critiques of deregulatory approaches to AI, notably contrasting with the Trump administration's stance. President Donald Trump had previously advocated for easing federal AI regulations, and in January 2025, repealed the Biden administration's AI executive order. When Pope Leo XIV released "Magnifica Humanitas" in May, which was widely referred to as the Pope's "AI encyclical," the Trump administration exhibited a divided response, with Vice President JD Vance commending it while other officials dismissed its warnings. The Pope also noted that AI and technology, in general, are contributing to a reduction in interpersonal interactions and relationships. This decline, he suggested, is correlated with decreasing marriage and birth rates, indicating broader societal impacts beyond economic and ideological concerns. The ICLN is a network comprising officeholders dedicated to addressing legislative issues from a Catholic perspective, aiming to promote ethical considerations in policy-making.