Holy See urges ethical oversight of lethal autonomous weapons

By Francesca Merlo

In a statement to the 2024 Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Emerging Technologies in the Area of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), Archbishop Ettore Balestrero highlighted the Church's ethical concerns regarding the development and use of autonomous weaponry.

The Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva recalled that, in his Message for the 2024 World Day of Peace, Pope Francis emphasized the gravity of these concerns.

He said that “research on emerging technologies in the area of so-called Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, including the weaponization of artificial intelligence, is a cause for grave ethical concern.”

Archbishop Balestrero emphasised the need for ethical reflection amidst the proliferation of armed drones and autonomous weapons. He warned against a detachment from the human consequences of warfare, stating, “there can be no escaping serious ethical questions related to the armaments sector.” 

Archbishop Balestrero also highlighted that autonomous weapons systems lack the moral agency inherent in human decision-making.

"Autonomous weapons systems cannot be held morally responsible subjects," he said, highlighting the necessity of human oversight in their deployment.

He went on to note that machines, despite their sophistication, cannot truly comprehend or adhere to the ethical considerations essential in armed conflict.

"Machines, being objects and not subjects, cannot truly think, feel, decide, or be held accountable for their actions," he said.

Bringing his address to a close, Archbishop Balestrero reiterated the Holy See’s commitment to the abolition of war and urged the GGE to prioritize discussions on the prohibition and regulation of autonomous weapon systems, with a steadfast focus on the dignity of the human person.

Finally, the Archbishop reaffirmed the Holy See's unwavering belief in the inhumane nature of war and called for a cultural shift towards peace.

He urged the integration of technological advancements into a framework that prioritizes human development and the common good.

"The real solution," he said, "lies in the conversion to a culture of peace that places technological advancements at the service of humanity."