Billionaire technology investor Peter Thiel has criticised Pope Leo XIV over the Vatican's calls for stronger global regulation of artificial intelligence, claiming such measures could benefit China in the global AI race. Speaking during a non-recorded panel discussion at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado alongside political scientist Francis Fukuyama, the Palantir co-founder argued that restricting AI development would disadvantage the United States while advancing China's interests.

According to reports, Thiel referred to Pope Leo XIV as a "Chinese communist agent" while discussing the pontiff's position on artificial intelligence. He argued that the Pope's advocacy for international AI regulation could slow technological progress in the United States at a time when competition with China is intensifying. The remark reportedly drew laughter from members of the audience attending the event.

The criticism follows Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, released in May, in which he urged the international community to place stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence. In the document, the Pope argued that AI "must be disarmed" and warned that rapid technological advancement without adequate oversight could threaten human dignity, justice and employment. He said the issue required urgent global attention and stronger international cooperation.

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The Pope also cautioned that societies with advanced technology but limited employment opportunities risk exposing large sections of the population to forced inactivity. Since the beginning of his papacy, he has repeatedly highlighted the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, describing its impact on workers, human rights and social justice as one of the defining issues facing the modern world.

Thiel, a prominent technology entrepreneur and investor, has consistently advocated for rapid innovation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. According to reports, he argued that imposing broad international restrictions would primarily hinder democratic nations while allowing geopolitical competitors to continue advancing their capabilities. His latest comments add to the growing global debate over balancing AI innovation with regulation.

The contrasting positions reflect the wider international discussion surrounding artificial intelligence, with governments, technology companies, academics and religious leaders offering differing views on how the technology should be governed. While some advocate stronger regulatory frameworks to address ethical and societal risks, others warn that excessive regulation could slow innovation and alter the balance of global technological competition.

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