Pope calls for international treaty to regulate artificial intelligence

Pope Francis added his voice to increasing calls for binding, global regulation of AI (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Pope Francis has called for an international treaty to ensure artificial intelligence is developed and used ethically, arguing that the risks of technology lacking human values of compassion, mercy, morality and forgiveness are too great.

Francis added his voice to increasing calls for binding, global regulation of AI in his annual message for the World Day of Peace, which the Catholic Church celebrates each January 1. The Vatican released the text of the message on Thursday.