Pope Leo warns of technology advancing without ethics

Pope Leo urged the world to reconsider the development of artificial intelligence, technological development unleashed from ethics and the normalisation of war, just after arriving in Paris for a four-day visit to France on Friday (September 25).

The first US pope, who has made sounding the alarm about the risks of AI a central part of his 16-month papacy, put the issue at the heart of his visit to France, the first by a pope in nearly 20 years.

"If we are to avoid losing our humanity amid a 'paradise of machines' invading and shaping our daily lives, it is urgent that we train our minds in ethical discernment," he said, speaking under the gilded ceilings of the Elysee Palace.

The pope also strongly reiterated the Church's pro-life teachings, criticizing initiatives to allow assisted dying for those who have incurable illnesses, two months after French politicians approved such a measure.

He also urged Macron and France to be a force for peace and the resolution of conflicts throughout the world.

Leo, on a whirlwind three-city visit to France, will also seek to repair the Church's standing there after abuse scandals sparked nationwide shock, and is also expected to lay out a vision for the future of Europe in a speech on Monday (September 28).

-Noemie Olive, Editing: Lewis Macdonald, Production: Lewis Macdonald, Lucien Libert/Reuters