On September 26, 2026, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany welcomed Pope Leon XIV to the organization's Paris headquarters, marking a historic moment in the partnership between the institution and the Vatican. El-Enany described the event as "a historic day for UNESCO," highlighting the decades-long collaboration between the two entities. This meeting is the first time a pope has visited UNESCO since 1980.
During the meeting, El-Enany emphasized UNESCO's commitment to ensuring scientific progress serves the greater good, protects the planet, and supports human rights, education, and freedom of expression. He recalled that UNESCO adopted a pioneering text in 2021, titled "Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence," aimed at guaranteeing that scientific advancements benefit humanity. El-Enany also stressed the importance of developing AI responsibly for the benefit of all.
Pope Leon XIV urged UNESCO to protect young people from the risks associated with AI and digital technologies. He warned against the potential for "dehumanization" and a "paradise of machines," calling for a common ethical foundation to address the challenges posed by AI. The Pope emphasized that AI should support education without threatening "freedom of thought." His remarks resonated with UNESCO's mission to promote human dignity and peace.
El-Enany and Pope Leon XIV discussed the importance of ensuring AI serves humanity, particularly the youth. The UNESCO Director-General highlighted the organization's efforts to establish a framework that allows young people to harness AI as a tool for their future. He emphasized that UNESCO is the ideal platform for building a framework that enables young people to benefit from AI while minimizing its risks.
The visit is part of Pope Leon XIV's four-day official trip to France, his first in 18 years. During his visit, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential palace, where he encouraged France to remain a "champion of peace and multilateralism" in Europe. The Pope also spoke about the tradition of secularism, arguing that it should not exclude religion from public life or education.
Pope Leon XIV's visit to UNESCO and France comes amid significant discussions on AI, ethics, and human dignity. His call for a responsible approach to AI development aligns with UNESCO's efforts to promote a more equitable and sustainable future. The Pope's trip to France will also include visits to Notre-Dame Cathedral, Lourdes, and Metz, culminating in a massive mass on the Champs-Elysées.
The meeting between El-Enany and Pope Leon XIV underscores the critical role of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI. As UNESCO continues to advocate for a more responsible and human-centered approach to AI development, the organization's partnership with the Vatican and other stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a future where technology serves humanity's best interests.
Key points
- UNESCO and the Vatican are working together to promote a responsible approach to AI development that prioritizes human dignity and the well-being of young people.
