Pope Francis: Pray that robots don’t turn against us

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Deliver us from evil robots!

Pope Francis urged Catholics to pray that artificial intelligence and robots “always serve mankind” instead of stripping humanity of its “dignity,” according to a report.

In his monthly prayer address, the crusading Pontiff warned that while robotics may bring positive change to the world, it could also exacerbate “inequalities” across the planet, according to the The Verge.

“Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the epochal change we are experiencing. Robotics can make a better world possible if it is joined to the common good. Indeed, if technological progress increases inequalities, it is not true progress,” Francis said during his November prayer intention.

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“Future advances should be oriented towards respecting the dignity of the person and of creation. Let us pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind… we could say, may it ‘be human,’” he proclaimed.

His message may be addressing concerns that an increase in robotic development could lead to job loss — possibly widening the global wealth disparity gap.

Other examples of potential tech-fueled “inequality” include at least two wrongful arrests of black men based on a flawed facial recognition algorithm, and exam results that were allegedly biased against students from poorer backgrounds.

Earlier this year, the Vatican promoted a document titled “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” which highlights six principles artificial intelligence makers should follow. They include transparency, impartiality and inclusion.

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