Pope Francis to Address G7 Summit, Urging Ethical AI Development

Pope Francis is once again making headlines as he prepares for a significant trip to the G7 summit in Italy, scheduled for mid-June. At 87, the Pope will become the first pontiff to address a G7 session, underscoring the Vatican's growing role in global conversations about technology and ethics. The Pope’s focus at the summit will center on artificial intelligence, a topic he’s repeatedly highlighted as a key moral frontier of our time. He is expected to stress the importance of placing human dignity and ethical reflection at the core of technological development.

The Vatican confirmed that he will engage with world leaders to discuss how AI can be governed responsibly, ensuring it serves humanity rather than deepening inequality or eroding fundamental rights. This initiative follows a statement he issued earlier this year, urging global collaboration to create ethical frameworks for AI. The Pope’s message continues to be rooted in the idea that technology must never be used to exploit, manipulate, or displace people.

While his travel plans signal stamina, health concerns still follow the pontiff. Earlier in the spring, he skipped several key events due to bronchitis and recurring respiratory issues. He appeared frail during some Holy Week services and continues to rely on aides for extended speaking engagements. Nonetheless, Vatican officials affirm that the Pope is determined to remain active on the world stage, seeing moral guidance as part of his pastoral mission.

In addition to his AI message, Pope Francis has also drawn attention for calling for peace efforts in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He has repeatedly urged all sides involved in these wars to seek dialogue and end the violence afflicting innocent civilians. His appeals highlight a consistent theme in his papacy—raising up the voices of the vulnerable in places of power.

Listeners should understand that Pope Francis’s upcoming role at the G7 is not just symbolic. His words aim to influence how some of the world’s most powerful nations think about emerging technologies and the ethical boundaries they must respect. As the head of the Catholic Church, he continues to remind global leaders that progress should serve humanity’s best values—not override them.