Silicon Valley takes its AI pitch to Pope Leo

Silicon Valley tech companies held private meetings with Pope Leo XIV and Vatican officials in Rome on April 29 to address ethical concerns about artificial intelligence, particularly child protection. Representatives from Meta, Google, and Amazon joined Vatican officials, including Paolo Ruffini, the Church’s top communications official, to discuss how AI should be regulated and developed responsibly. The gathering was part of a broader effort by the tech industry to influence the pope’s first encyclical, expected to be released on Monday, which will outline the Catholic Church’s position on AI. The Vatican has engaged with tech leaders through embassy events and private discussions, positioning them as partners in shaping ethical AI guidelines. The upcoming encyclical is seen as a landmark document, potentially influencing global policy similar to Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical on workers' rights during the Industrial Revolution. French government official Sarah El Haïry noted the document could have far-reaching implications, setting moral frameworks for AI’s role in the economy and daily life. Pope Leo XIV has emphasized AI as a central focus of his papacy, referencing Leo XIII’s legacy of defending human dignity. His first address to cardinals highlighted AI as a defining issue, even drawing attention to his modern touch—wearing an Apple Watch during a public Mass. The pope’s encyclical is expected to be presented alongside Christopher Olah, cofounder of Anthropic, an AI company known for prioritizing safety in its development. The tech industry’s outreach reflects its efforts to align AI innovation with ethical and moral standards, particularly as the technology reshapes global industries. The Vatican’s involvement signals a growing recognition of AI’s societal impact, with the encyclical likely addressing concerns about justice, morality, and the responsible use of AI in an increasingly digital world.