Pope Leo Condemns AI Safety Concerns as ‘Not Fake News,’ Contradicts Trump

Pope Leo says AI risks aren't fake news, urges global action amid Trump's skepticism.

September 30, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV has rejected claims that concerns over artificial intelligence are fake news, urging world leaders to take the issue seriously and address potential dangers head-on.

The pontiff, who released his first encyclical focused on AI and human welfare, addressed questions about how the U.S. and China should manage the risks of uncontrolled AI development during a press conference aboard the papal plane after a visit to France.

Leo criticized President Donald Trump’s dismissal of AI threats as a “hoax” and emphasized the need for dialogue among political leaders, tech companies, and experts to ensure responsible innovation. He also noted growing calls from major AI firms like Anthropic for a pause in development to allow for stronger safeguards.

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Trump, an ardent supporter of AI advancement, has previously dismissed regulatory efforts as politically motivated. However, he recently met with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to discuss American concerns about the technology and maintaining global leadership.

Despite acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Leo expressed confidence that solutions could be found, stating that many individuals are committed to addressing AI challenges without prioritizing power or speed. He also highlighted the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to foster international conversations on the ethical implications of AI.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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