Pope Francis is set to make history by addressing G7 leaders at their annual summit in Bari, Italy, marking the first time a pope will speak at this gathering. His focus will be on the pressing need for stronger regulations and ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence (AI).
In his recent peace message, Pope Francis called for an international treaty to ensure that AI development aligns with human values such as compassion, mercy, morality, and forgiveness. He emphasized the potential dangers of unchecked AI technology and its implications for peace and society.
Generative AI, exemplified by OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot, has raised concerns globally due to its capabilities and potential risks. Issues such as AI safety, bioweapons creation, disinformation, discrimination, and job displacement have prompted calls for increased oversight and regulation.
At the G7 summit, Pope Francis is expected to leverage his moral authority to advocate for safeguards against the negative impacts of AI. While various countries and entities have already taken steps in this direction, including Japan's Hiroshima AI process and the European Union's AI Act, there remains a need for coordinated global efforts.
Leaders at the summit, including President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have shown commitment to addressing AI regulation through executive orders and legislative measures. Antitrust scrutiny of major AI companies and international dialogues on AI governance further underscore the urgency of the issue.
Aside from his AI address, Pope Francis will engage in bilateral meetings with leaders from Ukraine, Algeria, Brazil, India, Kenya, Turkey, and G7 member countries. His presence at the summit is expected to amplify the discourse on AI ethics and regulation, aligning with his broader advocacy for peace and social justice.
