Pope Francis attends G-7 summit to discuss AI, says Italy

‘This is the first time in history that a pontiff will participate in the work of a G-7,’ says Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholics, will attend the G-7 summit in Italy’s Apulia region in 2024.

“This is the first time in history that a pontiff will participate in the work of a G-7,” she said, adding that Francis would attend the “outreach session” for guest participants at the Group of Seven industrialized nations meeting in Apulia.

AI the agenda at G-7

The challenges of artificial intelligence will be the main agenda item of this year’s G-7 summit. Italy this week approved a bill to establish ground rules for using artificial intelligence, allocate investment in the sector, and sanction AI-related crimes.

In a statement on Friday, Meloni expressed the belief that AI should prioritize the interests and control of humans. Meloni also acknowledged that, while AI has the potential to create significant opportunities, it also carries substantial risks and has a profound impact on global dynamics.

“I am convinced that the Pope’s presence will contribute to formulating an ethical and cultural framework for AI,” she added.

Biden-Pope Meeting

Pope Francis is also expected to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden at this meeting. This will be their second meeting since Biden became president. Francis last spoke with Biden on the phone on October 22, 2023, and asked Pope Biden to stop the war in Gaza and find a way to peace, but he was unsuccessful.

He will probably reiterate this call in their next meeting and discuss the war in Ukraine and how peace can be brought there.

Milei to attend the summit

Argentinian President Javier Milei is also among the guests of the G-7 summit this year.

Source: Newsroom