Attendees of the annual Group of Seven (G7) summit—which gathers leaders from some of the world’s most powerful democracies—are used to rubbing elbows with the likes of President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This year, as they’re discussing climate change, immigration, and economic security, they’ll be joined by an unlikely guest: Pope Francis. The event, slated for June 13-15 in the Puglia region of Italy, will mark the first time a pope has been in attendance.
Though the pontiff lacks the official status associated with state leaders, Francis’ influence—which he’s previously used to raise concerns over climate change and the treatment of refugees—will allow him to advocate for the regulation of artificial intelligence, a technology he’s called potentially harmful. Francis, who was a chemist prior to entering seminary, has drawn on his scientific training to inform his stances on political issues.
