Pope Francis has called for stricter measures to regulate the use of AI as it can be used for many negative things, including creating deepfake images.
The global head of the Catholic Church made the call in a message read at the ongoing World Economic Forum annual meeting 2025 that started on 20 January with a partial focus on AI.
As one who has been a victim of AI deepfake images in the past, the pontiff called on political, economic and business leaders to keep a close oversight over the technology as it raises “critical concerns” about the future of humanity.
First hand experience
Though the most respected religious leader in the world, the pope has had his fair share of the damage that AI can do.
Early last year, deepfake images of the pontiff emerged, portraying him as wearing a long puffer coat from Balenciaga.
Another deepfake image has also been in circulation, showing him in close contact with American singer Madonna. In the messages sent to the World Economic Forum, the pope said:
“The results that AI can produce are almost indistinguishable from those of human beings, raising questions about its effect on the growing crisis of truth in the public forum. To navigate the complexities of AI, governments and businesses must exercise due diligence and vigilance.”
Pope Francis has made reference to these images in a number of speeches, emphasizing the effect that such images can have.
Since the emergence of the images, he has warned repeatedly that AI, while it can be used for many good things, should be used with caution as only humans should be allowed to make critical decisions.
Wider AI concerns
Pope Francis’ concerns around AI may be valid, as there are many issues surrounding the technology other than deepfakes.
The technology has also become a problem as companies now steal users’ data to use for model training. LinkedIn is currently in court for allegedly sharing premium users’ data for such purposes without prior consent.
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