Why Pope Francis will attend G7 Summit in June for the first time ever in history

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced that Pope Francis will participate in this year’s Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ summit. The summit, scheduled from June 13 to 15, will convene the heads of state from the United States, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Canada, and Japan, along with specially invited guests.

This historic occasion marks the first time a pontiff engages in the G7 proceedings. Pope Francis will specifically contribute to a session dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI), recognizing it as one of “the greatest anthropological challenges of our time.” "It is the first time in history that a pontiff will take part in the workings of a G7," Meloni said in a video message.

Warned against "perverse" dangers of AI"
The pope has been vocal about the potential dangers of AI, emphasizing the need for global regulations that harness its power for the common good. Earlier this year, the Pope warned against the "perverse" dangers of AI and renewed a call for worldwide regulations to harness it for the common good. His Holiness aims to shape an ethical and cultural framework for AI, ensuring it remains both human-centered and human-controlled.

Italy, currently holding the rotating G7 chair, recently passed a bill establishing ground rules for AI usage. The legislation allocates investment in the sector while imposing sanctions for AI-related offenses.

In January, Pope Francis expressed his fears and hopes regarding AI. While urging caution against catastrophic predictions, he warned of “cognitive pollution” that distorts reality and perpetuates false narratives. He called for a legally binding international treaty to regulate AI, emphasizing that algorithms should never replace human values—a stance critical in preventing a “technological dictatorship” that threatens our existence.