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Pope Leo contradicts Trump directly, saying AI safety fears are NOT 'fake news' and warning humanity must act

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026.

Pope Leo XIV speaks to reporters on his return flight from France. The American pope has directly contradicted President Trump, insisting AI safety fears "should be taken seriously" and urging world leaders to prevent…
Pope Leo XIV speaks to reporters on his return flight from France. The American pope has directly contradicted President Trump, insisting AI safety fears "should be taken seriously" and urging world leaders to prevent…

Flying home from France, Pope Leo XIV publicly rebuked President Trump's claim that AI safety concerns are a "hoax," insisting the warnings raised by experts "should be taken seriously." The American pope also turned his fire on Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang, expressing scepticism after Huang said AI safety fears were overblown. Leo urged world leaders to "find ways to make sure that AI does not get to a point where it could destroy humanity."

In remarks to the UN General Assembly last week, Trump dismissed fears about AI destroying humanity as a "hoax" and part of a political "conspiracy."

Leo also criticised tech CEOs who argue AI should have no guardrails, singling out Huang for talking up safety tools while opposing government regulation.

The clash reignites a running feud — Trump had previously branded the pope as "weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy" after Leo condemned the Iran war.

MoreThe TimesPope Leo warns of ‘lies and deceit’ in apparent swipe at TrumpAPContradicting Trump, Pope Leo says artificial intelligence safety concerns not ‘fake news’Irish IndependentPope Leo laments ‘senseless slaughter’ of war in EuropeReutersPope Leo urges concessions for peace as Ukraine war drags on
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