Pope Raises AI Governance Warning as Politicians Stay Silent

Pope Francis has called for urgent political engagement on artificial intelligence, challenging world leaders to take responsibility for regulating the rapidly advancing technology. The pontiff's intervention frames AI governance not as a question of technical understanding but of political will — arguing that the excuses for inaction have run out. The commentary, published in Slovak outlet Dennik N, notes that the challenge applies not only to major powers such as the United States and the European Union but to all governments, including Slovakia's, where political debate on AI remains limited. As AI reshapes economies, labor markets, and public life across Europe, critics argue that Slovak politicians have been largely absent from meaningful discussion on how to manage its risks and opportunities. The Pope's statement adds moral weight to calls for democratic accountability in shaping AI policy, a debate that has so far been dominated by technologists and corporate interests rather than elected officials.