Pope Leo to warn against AI creating a 'paradise of machines' during first France visit

Pope Leo is expected to warn against artificial intelligence creating a "paradise of machines" as part of a landmark speech on AI development during his first visit to France.

The pope's schedule includes a formal welcome and meeting with authorities, civil society representatives, and the diplomatic corps at the Élysée Palace, before he travels to UNESCO to deliver the speech on AI in the mid-afternoon.

Following the UNESCO address, Pope Leo is expected to take a stroll through the streets of Paris, offering a more informal public moment during an otherwise tightly scheduled diplomatic visit.

The visit is also set to include a stop at the recently restored Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most prominent symbols of French religious and cultural heritage, whose restoration was completed after a major fire in 2019.

The pope's comments on AI are expected to touch on the broader implications of the technology's development for European society, positioning the Vatican as a voice in ongoing international debates over the ethical and social dimensions of artificial intelligence.