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

Pope Leo XIV has denounced investments in AI and high-tech weaponry, warning they lead to a “spiral of annihilation.” He called for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine during a visit to Rome’s La Sapienza University on Thursday. This marked the first papal visit to the campus since 2008. The pope was warmly welcomed, including by young Palestinians who arrived in Italy this week to study. Leo criticized increased military spending at the expense of education and healthcare. He emphasized the ne...