U.S. welcomes Vatican input on AI regulation as debate intensifies over ethics, risks, and global cooperation in emerging technology.
Newsroom (06/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) The United States is open to engaging with the Vatican on the rapidly evolving question of artificial intelligence regulation, signaling a willingness to incorporate ethical perspectives from the Holy See even as Washington maintains a cautious approach to formal oversight.
Speaking to reporters following a May 5 conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University on AI and the future of work, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch emphasized a “spirit of cooperation and dialogue” between the two entities. He noted that while the United States leads globally in AI innovation, it is open to broader conversations involving both governments and moral authorities.
“I think the U.S. very much is leading with our corporate technological leadership, with our AI industry,” Burch said. “And we want to find ways to cooperate with both governments and welcome, certainly, the input of the Holy See to that conversation.”
A Debate Intensifies
Burch’s remarks come amid growing global uncertainty over how best to regulate artificial intelligence. Concerns range from large-scale labor disruption and job displacement to more existential risks, including AI-enabled cyber warfare and geopolitical instability.
Until recently, the Trump administration has favored a light-touch regulatory stance. A December executive order directed states to adopt minimally burdensome AI regulations, reflecting a broader reluctance to constrain innovation. Vice President JD Vance has echoed that position, warning against overregulation that could “kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off.”
However, emerging developments appear to be shifting the conversation. The release of “Mythos,” a powerful AI model developed by U.S.-based Anthropic, has raised alarms among experts about the potential misuse of advanced systems, prompting renewed scrutiny of existing policies.
Vatican’s Ethical Framework
While the United States focuses on innovation and economic competitiveness, the Vatican has positioned itself as a moral voice in the AI debate. The Holy See has outlined ethical principles intended to guide both the development and deployment of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for technology to serve the common good.
Pope Leo XIV, who has signaled a strong interest in addressing the moral implications of the digital age, is expected to release an encyclical later this month focused on AI and human dignity. His leadership on the issue has been welcomed even by U.S. officials.
Vance previously described moral guidance from the Pope as “one of the most profound and positive things” the Church could offer, adding that governments alone are not equipped to provide comprehensive ethical leadership in the face of technological transformation.
Cooperation Without Commitment
Despite expressing openness to collaboration, Burch stopped short of committing the United States to any Vatican-led international AI agreement. “The answer to that question is in the details,” he said, suggesting that formal alignment would depend on specific provisions.
He also dismissed suggestions of a broader diplomatic rift between Washington and the Vatican, despite recent tensions, including criticism from President Trump after Pope Leo called for peace during the Iran conflict.
Instead, Burch pointed to shared priorities and ongoing engagement, including an upcoming meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Pope. “His visit… speaks to our deep desire to engage in exactly what the Holy See has called for, fraternity and authentic dialogue,” Burch said.
Different Roles, Shared Stakes
Burch framed the U.S.-Vatican relationship on AI as a convergence of distinct but complementary roles. The Holy See, he said, operates as a moral authority grounded in Catholic social teaching, while the United States approaches the issue through the lens of national security, economic strength, and public welfare.
“The interplay between those two roles in the world is one that we still believe can be productive and helpful,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Beyond policy discussions, Burch also raised the prospect of a future papal visit to the United States. He suggested that Pope Leo may have avoided traveling this year due to the “hyper-politicization” of an election cycle but indicated that 2027 could offer a more suitable opportunity.
If such a visit occurs, Burch expressed hope that it would include a stop in Silicon Valley, underscoring the symbolic and practical importance of engaging directly with the epicenter of global AI development.
“As the first American-born Pope, I think there’s probably some level of interest on his part,” Burch said. “And if he does make a trip, it’s our hope that he will include Silicon Valley as one of the stops.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from NC Register
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