Pope Leo XIV said on Monday that growing concerns about artificial intelligence acting unpredictably or 'going rogue' should be taken seriously and are not 'fake news', according to multiple outlets. He made the remarks to reporters while leaving France for Vatican City.
The Pope said discussions are needed on how to regulate AI. Asked whether he was in 'panic mode' over the issue, he said he was not, adding, according to The Hill, 'I sleep at night.'
Several outlets noted the comments came after former President Trump had referred to AI safety concerns as a 'hoax', with Sky News and NBC News both framing the Pope's remarks as a contradiction of Trump's position.
CNA reported the Pope's message more broadly as urging that concerns about AI's risks 'should be taken seriously', while The Irish Times emphasized his description of AI as a potential 'threat to humanity'.
How each side covered it
Left
- Left-leaning outlets highlighted the contrast between the Pope's remarks and Trump's 'fake news' framing of AI concerns.
- NBC News specifically noted the comments as 'contradicting Trump'.
- The Hindu reported the Pope's stance that AI doom fears are legitimate.
“Contradicting Trump, Pope Leo says artificial intelligence safety concerns aren’t ‘fake news’” — NBC News
Center
- Center outlets reported the Pope's remarks while leaving France for Vatican City.
- The Hill quoted the Pope saying he is not in 'panic mode' but sleeps at night.
- CNA and The Irish Times emphasized the Pope's call to take AI's risks and threats seriously.
- Sky News tied the comments to Trump's prior 'hoax' claims about AI.
“Pope says concerns about AI going rogue are not 'fake news' after Trump 'hoax' claims” — Sky News
Questions readers ask
What did Pope Leo XIV say about AI?
Pope Leo XIV said concerns about artificial intelligence going rogue are not 'fake news' and should be taken seriously, calling for discussions on how to regulate it, according to multiple outlets including The Hill and CNA.
Why does Pope Leo XIV's statement on AI matter?
His remarks were reported as directly contradicting comments attributed to Donald Trump, who reportedly dismissed AI safety concerns as a 'hoax', according to NBC News and Sky News.
Where did Pope Leo XIV make these comments?
He made the comments to reporters while leaving France to return to Vatican City, according to The Hill.
Is Pope Leo XIV worried about AI risks?
He said he was not in 'panic mode' over AI, but stated that discussions on regulating it are necessary, according to The Hill.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningContradicting Trump, Pope Leo says artificial intelligence safety concerns aren’t ‘fake news’
- The HinduLeft-leaningPope Leo XIV: AI doom fears are not ‘fake news’
- CNACenterPope says concerns about AI 'should be taken seriously'
- EuronewsCenterVideo. Pope Leo XIV calls for additional international AI safety guardrails
- Sky NewsCenterPope says concerns about AI going rogue are not 'fake news' after Trump 'hoax' claims
- The HillCenterPope Leo says AI concerns are not ‘fake news,’ must act on safety issues
- The Irish TimesCenterPope Leo says concerns about AI’s threat to humanity are not ‘fake news’
- The Japan TimesCenterPope Leo says concerns about AI doom scenarios are not ‘fake news’