Pope Leo XIV on AI's new 'form of domination': it risks becoming a tool of 'economic colonialism'
Fortune Catherina Gioino
Pope Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence could become a new form of economic colonialism by deepening dependence of poorer countries on wealthier ones and enabling algorithmic control over visibility and public discourse. He said the pope’s message was delivered on Friday to the International Catholic Legislators Network, calling for robust legal frameworks and independent oversight. The result is renewed push for politically accountable AI governance alongside continued emphasis on protecting human dignity, labor, and family life.
Why it matters
Addressing Catholic legislators, the pope said algorithms are creating a new form of domination and warned AI threatens the family.
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