Pope decries the rise of AI-directed warfare, saying it leads to a spiral of annihilation

Pope Leo XIV visits the Città Universitaria (University City) at Sapienza University of Rome to meet with faculty and students at the institution’s primary campus, one of the world’s oldest and largest universities, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Leo XIV waves from his car as he leaves with his personal secretary, Monsignor Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga, right, after visiting the Città Universitaria (University City) at Sapienza University of Rome where he met with faculty and students at the institution’s primary campus, one of the world’s oldest and largest universities, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Leo XIV is seen behind Arturo Martini’s 1935 bronze statue of Minerva during a visit to Sapienza University of Rome’s Città Universitaria campus to meet with faculty and students, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Leo XIV visits the Città Universitaria (University City) at Sapienza University of Rome to meet with faculty and students at the institution’s primary campus, one of the world’s oldest and largest universities, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Leo XIV, accompanied by, from left, Prefect of the Pontifical Household Archbishop Petar Rajič, Dean Antonella Polimeni, and his vicar for the city of Rome Cardinal Baldo Reina, visits the Città Universitaria (University City) at Sapienza University of Rome to meet with faculty and students at the institution’s primary campus, one of the world’s oldest and largest universities, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)