Pope Leo urges world to 'slow down' on AI in fervent first manifesto

Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical on Monday, urging governments to slow down the development of artificial intelligence and implement stronger regulations. The document warns that AI spreads misinformation and could lead to 'unending war.' It also argues that data ownership should not be concentrated solely in private hands.

The pope specifically criticizes the concentration of data power in a few corporations and advocates for public control over data infrastructure.

The document is notable for its urgency and specificity about AI risks, a departure from more general papal statements on technology.