Humans are irreplaceable: Pope on AI, automation and the changing labor market

Pope Leo issued his first major document on Monday, urging international regulation to slow down the development of AI systems, which he said spread misinformation and may lead the world down a path of unending war, Reuters writes.

In the document titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), the Pope states that the “the main drivers of development are ​private, often transnational, parties that are endowed with resources and the capacity to intervene that surpass those of many Governments.”

“Technological power thus takes on ‌an unprecedented, predominantly ‘private’ aspect, which makes it even more challenging to discern, govern and direct such power toward the common good,” the document states.

According to the pope, “the digital revolution is changing the nature of conflict. Alongside conventional warfare, there are hybrid forms such as cyberattacks, information manipulation, campaigns of influence and the automation ​of strategic decisions.”

“What is created for defense can be rapidly repurposed for offense, and the fine line between protection and aggression becomes blurred,” Pope Leo wrote.

Addressing the impact of AI on the labor market, the head of the Catholic Church said that automation, robotics and AI are rapidly reshaping the structure of work.

“The protection ⁠of employment ​opportunities and the irreplaceable role of the individual must remain the general rule,” the document states.