Pope Leo Rejects AI Doom Skepticism as 'Fake News' in Apparent Rebuke of Trump

On Monday, Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, emphasized that worries regarding artificial intelligence's potential to harm the world are not "fake news" and warrant serious attention, seemingly addressing US President Donald Trump. During a press conference aboard his flight back to Rome after a four-day visit to France, the pope stated, "I believe the concerns expressed by numerous AI experts should be taken seriously. I do not consider that to be fake news, as some have claimed." This statement came after Trump's remarks at the UN General Assembly last week, where he labeled fears about AI's threats to humanity a "hoax." Throughout his 16-month papacy, Pope Leo has consistently warned about the risks associated with AI and criticized technology executives advocating for unregulated development. His comments reveal a widening rift between religious and political figures regarding AI oversight, as the Vatican adopts a cautious approach while Trump and certain tech leaders downplay existential threats. This exchange underscores the intensifying global discourse on AI safety, governance, and developer accountability amid rapid technological advancements.