When leaders of the world’s top industrialized nations convene in Italy this week for the G7 summit, they will be joined by an unexpected participant discussing the implications of artificial intelligence: Pope Francis.
This marks the first time a pope has been invited to participate in a G7 summit. Pope Francis has previously expressed his views on AI, emphasizing its potential for both harm and benefit to humanity.
“We currently possess significant capabilities to misuse artificial intelligence, but how can we redirect it towards something that truly benefits humanity, something that unites us?” remarked Brian Green, director of technology ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
Why the pope’s interest in artificial intelligence?
Pope Francis himself has been the subject of AI-generated misinformation. Last year, a viral image of him wearing a large white puffer coat was created using AI, sparking discussions on deepfakes and AI’s role in spreading false information.
In his New Year’s Day message earlier this year, the pope highlighted the potential of AI to promote peace.
The Vatican has been engaged in AI ethics discussions for several years, collaborating with tech giants like Microsoft to establish the Rome Call for AI Ethics in 2020. This initiative encourages voluntary commitments from companies and governments to uphold transparency and accountability in AI development.
“The Italian government aims to amplify the principles of the Rome Call for AI Ethics and attract new signatories,” explained Gregory Allen, director of the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
G7 discussions on AI
The G7 leaders have been addressing AI ethics for years. During last year’s summit hosted by Japan, they endorsed international principles on AI known as the Hiroshima framework. While non-binding, these frameworks pave the way for accountability and future legislation, according to Allen.
“Much of the Hiroshima framework’s language has influenced the European Union’s AI Act, which is mandatory legislation. Similarly, the US has incorporated similar concepts into voluntary commitments on AI negotiated with various companies by the White House,” Allen noted.
AI has been a topic in recent G7 ministerial meetings, focusing on its impact on labor, economies, and particularly its role in spreading misinformation during global elections this year.
The pope’s unique perspective
Pope Francis is expected to emphasize ethics in his G7 remarks. Brian Green, involved in an AI report released by the Vatican in 2023, anticipates the pope discussing ways AI can aid impoverished communities and environmental conservation.
“Unlike political leaders, as a religious figure, his influence rests largely on moral authority. This means he cannot bring a hefty political or economic agenda to such forums, but he can advocate a moral agenda,” Green explained.
“This presents an opportunity for ethics and politics to collaborate towards a better world, especially given the transformative power of this technology on our future,” he concluded.
Source: npr.org
