Pope Leo, who has warned of the risk that AI could lead the world down a path of endless war, called for the development of AI systems that do not foster divisions in society but instead strengthen peace initiatives.

“In a world marked by conflict and division, the development of artificial intelligence requires a vision inspired by wisdom and charity,” the pontiff said in a message to a conference on AI issues held in Rome.

The pope called for the development of AI systems that “serve the dignity of every person and strengthen the bonds that unite the human family.”

The conference, held Monday at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, was titled “AI4Peace” (AI for Peace). Speakers included US economist Jeffrey Sachs, Rome City Council President Svetlana Celli and Francisco Rojas Aravena, rector of the University for Peace, a United Nations institution based in Costa Rica.