BORGO EGNACIA: Pope Francis on Friday became the first pontiff to address the Group of Seven summit, warning world leaders that artificial intelligence (AI) must never be allowed to gain advantages over humanity.
The 87-year-old pontiff, whose mobility is limited by age and infirmity, was pushed around a huge oval table in a wheelchair and given a warm welcome by world leaders.
The Pope said AI represents a “radical transformation” for humanity, but stressed the need for strict oversight of evolving technologies to protect human life and dignity.
“A machine should not choose to take a human life,” he said, adding that people should not allow powerful algorithms to decide their fate.
“If humans are forced to rely on machines' choices, depriving them of the ability to make decisions about themselves and their lives, humanity will be condemned to a bleak future,” he warned.
The G7 brings together the leaders of the United States, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Canada and Japan. In addition, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the host of the summit, has invited 10 other countries, including the prime ministers of India and Turkey and Kenya, to meet on Friday.
Entering the conference room ahead of his speech, the Pope was warmly embraced by his fellow Argentine President Javier Milley, hugged by King Abdullah of Jordan, kissed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and had a lengthy, hushed conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden.
Pope Francis acknowledged the conflicting feelings around AI, saying it has the potential to spark excitement around the world and expand access to knowledge.
“But at the same time, it has the potential to bring about greater injustice between developed and developing countries, or between ruling classes and oppressed classes,” he said.
“It is everyone's responsibility to put AI to good use, but it is the political responsibility to create the conditions in which such use will be possible and fruitful,” he added.
Italy approved a bill earlier this year aimed at setting ground rules for the use of AI and laying out sanctions for AI-related crimes, and Meloni has repeatedly warned about the risks that AI poses to the job market.
Published in Dawn on June 15, 2024
