Pope Leo Addresses AI Policy During State Visit to France
Pope Leo visited France on September 25, 2026, and delivered a speech addressing artificial intelligence at the Élysée Palace. The pontiff's address comes as governments worldwide continue grappling with AI governance, regulation, and ethical considerations surrounding the rapidly advancing technology.
The choice of venue—the Élysée Palace, France's presidential residence—underscores the significance of the engagement, positioning it as a formal state-level discussion rather than a purely theological discourse. France has been actively developing its AI strategy, and the involvement of religious leadership adds a moral and ethical dimension to the ongoing policy conversations.
Pope Leo's intervention reflects growing recognition that AI development raises fundamental questions about human dignity, privacy, and societal impact that extend beyond technical and economic considerations. Religious institutions have increasingly engaged with technology governance, offering perspectives grounded in ethical traditions to inform how societies should approach emerging technologies.
The speech at the Élysée Palace positions France as a country seeking diverse input on AI policy, drawing on philosophical, ethical, and moral frameworks alongside technical expertise as it shapes its approach to the technology.