POPE CALLS FOR AI SLOWDOWN IN MAJOR ENCYCLICAL

The papal document marks Francis's most substantial statement on technology governance. The Pope emphasized concerns about labor exploitation in both AI development and the broader tech industry supply chain. The encyclical positions the Vatican as a critical voice in ongoing debates over AI regulation. While major nations and tech companies continue rapid AI deployment, Francis called for deliberate governmental intervention to manage development pace. The slavery reference points to documented labor conditions in semiconductor manufacturing, data annotation, and other tech production processes. The Pope's framing connects technological advancement to broader social justice concerns. The timing places pressure on governments already grappling with AI policy frameworks. The document arrives as regulators worldwide debate approaches ranging from the EU's comprehensive AI Act to sector-specific guidelines. Francis has previously addressed technology's social impact, but this encyclical represents his lengthiest, most formal treatment of AI specifically.