Germany's Research Minister Weighs In on Pope's AI Encyclical and Future Challenges

German Research Minister Dorothee Bär has shared her thoughts on Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical about artificial intelligence. While she sees the document as broadly positive, she also highlighted key challenges and opportunities in AI development. Her comments touched on energy use, job concerns, and the need for stronger regulations. Bär welcomed the Pope’s central argument—that AI should serve humanity, not dominate it. She agreed that ethical guidelines must shape how technology evolves. At the same time, she stressed the need for laws to keep pace with rapid AI advancements.

She also addressed fears about job losses, pointing out that work has always changed with new technology. Instead of resisting progress, she argued, society should adapt and find ways to benefit from AI’s potential. One area she highlighted was healthcare, where AI could revolutionise early disease detection and speed up drug development.

Energy efficiency was another key concern. Bär called for AI systems that use less power and pushed for more investment in nuclear fusion. She predicted the first commercial fusion plant could arrive in the 2040s, offering a cleaner energy solution for future tech.

On digital safety, Bär supported age restrictions for online services. She saw the debate over age limits as necessary to protect younger users in an increasingly digital world. Bär’s response balances optimism with caution. She backs bold AI innovation but insists on responsible development, stronger regulations, and sustainable energy solutions. Her remarks also reinforce the need for ongoing debate about how society can harness AI while minimising its risks.