Pope warns of a "spiral of destruction" between war and new technologies

Vatican leader Pope Leo has warned of what he described as an "inhuman evolution" of the relationship between war and new technologies, referring in particular to the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

During a visit to Rome's Sapienza University, as Vatican News reports, the Pope said the world is facing a dangerous "spiral of destruction," driven by modern warfare and technological advances.

“The tragedy of the 20th century must not be forgotten,” the Pope said, warning against growing militarization and military spending, especially in Europe. He specifically cited “Ukraine, Gaza and the Palestinian territories, as well as Lebanon and Iran” as examples of what he called “the inhuman evolution of the relationship between war and new technologies in a spiral of destruction.”

He criticized the increase in global military spending, stressing that rearmament risks deepening insecurity and weakening diplomacy.

"Let's not call 'defense' a rearmament that increases tensions and insecurity, impoverishes investments in education and health, denies trust in diplomacy, and enriches elites who do not care about the common good," he said.

The Pope warned of the dangers associated with the development and use of artificial intelligence in the military and civilian sectors.

"We must remain vigilant about the development and use of artificial intelligence," he said, warning that these technologies should not "remove responsibility from human decisions and exacerbate the tragedy of conflicts."

Addressing students and professors, the Pope called on young people to become "artisans of true peace" and reject what he called a culture shaped by war and hostility.

"Become artisans of true peace, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persistent, that works for harmony among peoples and for the care of the Earth," he said.

The Pope also expressed concern about climate change, social inequality and what he called the "blackmail of expectations" affecting young people. /AA/