Pope Francis urged world leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Thursday to ensure ethical oversight of artificial intelligence, warning that the technology could worsen a growing “crisis of truth.”

In a written statement read by Cardinal Peter Turkson, a Vatican official, Francis acknowledged A.I.’s potential benefits but expressed concern over its risks.

“The results that A.I. 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,” the pope said.

Francis emphasized the responsibility of political, economic, and business leaders to exercise “due diligence and vigilance” in regulating A.I. development to safeguard humanity’s future.

The annual WEF meeting, held in the Swiss alpine town of Davos, has made AI a key focus this year. Discussions have ranged from its impact on global economies to its ethical implications.

The pontiff, who leads the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church, has repeatedly criticized technology’s ethical challenges. At the Group of Seven summit in Italy last June, Francis cautioned against allowing algorithms to dictate human destiny.

The pope’s warnings carry personal resonance. In early 2024, he was the subject of a viral deepfake image showing him in a white puffer coat, created by an A.I. image generator. The incident highlighted the potential for AI to spread disinformation.

As AI continues to evolve, Francis’s call for ethical oversight underscores a growing concern about the societal and moral challenges posed by the technology.