Pope Leo warns against AI and says technology ‘must remain at service of humans’ during first visit to France
Pope Leo XIV cautioned that a "paradise of machines" could undermine humanity during his first visit to France in 18 years. The pontiff addressed crowds at the Elysee Palace and celebrated a Mass attended by 700,000 pilgrims at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees. His itinerary included a meeting with migrants at the Maison Bakhita center in Paris' 18th district, where he spoke on vulnerability. Despite the large crowds, the visit is overshadowed by a schism with a rebel Catholic sect.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV visited France for the first time in 18 years.
- ✓ The Pope warned that a "paradise of machines" could undermine humanity.
- ✓ A Mass at Place de la Concorde and the Avenue des Champs-Elysees was attended by 700,000 pilgrims.
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV delivered an address at the Elysee Palace.
What changed
Pope Leo XIV met with migrants at Maison Bakhita and held a Mass for 700,000 people.
Live updates
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Pope Leo XIV warns against AI during first France visit in 18 years
Pope Leo XIV cautioned that a "paradise of machines" could undermine humanity during his first visit to France in 18 years. The pontiff addressed crowds at the Elysee Palace and celebrated a Mass attended by 700,000 pilgrims at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees. His itinerary included a meeting with migrants at the Maison Bakhita center in Paris' 18th district, where he spoke on vulnerability. Despite the large crowds, the visit is overshadowed by a schism with a rebel Catholic sect.
Why it matters
The visit marks a significant return to a country that is officially secular but historically Catholic. Pope Leo's focus on AI and migrant integration reflects current church priorities regarding technology and human rights.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV visited France for the first time in 18 years.
- The Pope warned that a "paradise of machines" could undermine humanity.
- A Mass at Place de la Concorde and the Avenue des Champs-Elysees was attended by 700,000 pilgrims.
- Pope Leo XIV delivered an address at the Elysee Palace.
Still unconfirmed
- A schism with a rebel Catholic sect has cast a pall over the visit.
- Pope Leo XIV met with representatives from the organizations Aux Captifs, la Liberation and A Bras Ouverts.
What to watch next
- Further statements from the Vatican regarding the rebel Catholic sect
- Official responses from the French government to the Pope's AI warnings
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- France 24 — Schism with rebel Catholic sect casts a pall over Pope Leo’s visit to France
- The Guardian — Pope Leo visits France for first papal visit in 18 years – Europe live
- NPR — Pope Leo warns a 'paradise of machines' could undermine humanity on his France visit
- BBC — Why is the Pope in France?
- Financial Times — Pope makes rare address at France’s Élysée Palace
- jen.jiji.com — Pope Leo XIV meets migrants in Paris ahead of Mass for 700,000 faithful
- jen.jiji.com — President relieves Defense Minister Kossanov of his duties
- www.nbcnews.com — Pope Leo draws vast crowds in Paris, warns of AI ‘paradise of machines’
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