Pope stresses ethics in a 'paradise of machines'

Pope Leo XIV warned against losing humanity in a "paradise of machines" as he began his first official visit to France, urging greater ethical scrutiny of artificial intelligence and calling on the country to remain a champion of peace and multilateralism.

Crowds gathered across Paris on Friday to see the first US pontiff, with hundreds of thousands expected to line the streets during his visit, the first official papal trip to France in 18 years.

Speaking at the presidential palace with French President Emmanuel Macron, Leo warned that artificial intelligence was increasingly shaping daily life and called for greater emphasis on ethical education.

"If we are to avoid losing our humanity amid a paradise of machines invading and conditioning our daily lives, there is an urgent need for education in ethical discernment," he said.