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Rep. Henry Cuellar met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican during a Catholic lawmakers conference and discussed his calls for ethical AI regulations.
Congressman Henry Cuellar and his daughter, Catherine, attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) in Rome. During the event, Pope Leo XIV called on lawmakers to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) development serves humanity and protects human dignity. The Cuellars also had a private greeting with the Pope, receiving a blessing for their Bibles.
The conference focused on the theme 'Human Dignity and Artificial Intelligence: Challenges, Chances and Control,' where Pope Leo XIV highlighted AI as a defining issue for global legislators. He urged Christian and Catholic lawmakers to not impede technological progress but to guide its responsible development.
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo stressed the importance of policies that administer technology for the common good, warning that unchecked AI could lead to new forms of technological dependence and 'ideological or economic colonialism.' He cautioned against algorithms and digital platforms shaping society without accountability, which he views as a subtle form of domination undermining worker dignity.
Following the conference, Congressman Cuellar emphasized that the Pope's remarks underscored the profound responsibility lawmakers bear in shaping AI's future. He reiterated the need for policymakers to ensure AI is developed responsibly, protects fundamental human rights and dignity, and ultimately serves the common good.
Pope Leo XIV has consistently championed the ethical development of artificial intelligence throughout his pontificate. He continues to advocate for governments worldwide to adopt policies that not only foster innovation but also safeguard human rights, uphold democratic institutions, and support families against potential negative impacts of AI.