Pope Francis has called for a ban on "lethal autonomous weapons", while addressing the G7 leaders during the summit.&nbsp;

Pope Francis became the first pontiff to address the G7 grouping, with a speech on the perils of artificial intelligence.

"In light of the tragedy that is armed conflict, it is critical to reconsider the development and use of devices like the so-called 'lethal autonomous weapons' and ultimately ban their use," the 87-year-old said on Friday (June 14).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-summit-pm-modi-meets-macron-sunak-zelensky-on-sidelines-discusses-bilateral-ties-and-global-issues-731830">G7 summit: PM Modi meets Macron, Sunak, Zelensky on sidelines, discusses bilateral ties and global issues</a>

In a meeting held in Puglia, southern Italy, Pope emphasised the importance of prioritising strong and clear human oversight in AI development.

He stressed that machines should never be able to make independent decisions about taking human lives.

Pope Francis, invited by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to address the Group of Seven (G7) summit, has repetitively condemned the arms industry and those he says profit from wars and death.

"Artificial intelligence (is) at the same time a thrilling and terrifying tool," Pope Francis told leaders at the summit.

"If we hand over control over our lives to machines, we risk a future where humanity is robbed of any sense of hope," he warned.

The G7, which brings together Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, said on Friday that AI "can play a crucial role in promoting progress and development in our societies".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-summit-italian-pm-meloni-greets-indian-counterpart-modi-with-namaste-731839">G7 Outreach session: PM Modi calls for ending monopoly in technology</a>

"We recognise the impact of AI on the military domain and the need for a framework for responsible development and use," the leaders said in their joint statement.

"We need to make sure and safeguard a space for proper human control over the choices made by artificial intelligence programmes: human dignity itself depends on it," Francis said.

<h2>'Serenity, smiles'</h2>

Earlier, Pope Francis had spent the morning with comedians at the Vatican, including Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock and Jimmy Fallon.

He met over 100 artists from the world of humour as part of his efforts to engage with contemporary culture.

“Forget the formalities,!" the pontiff chuckled, thrusting his thumb in his ear and wiggling his fingers in a silent hello to the amused audience. "No speech needed.”

"Engrossed as we are in many social and personal emergencies, you have the power to spread serenity and smiles," the pope told them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-summit-pm-modi-meets-macron-sunak-zelensky-on-sidelines-discusses-bilateral-ties-and-global-issues-731830">G7 summit: PM Modi meets Macron, Sunak, Zelensky on sidelines, discusses bilateral ties and global issues</a>

"You are among the few to have the ability to speak to very different people, from different generations, backgrounds and cultures," Francis said.

The 107 comedians included Britain's Stephen Merchant, from TV show The Office, US stand-up comedian Rock, and Italy's Silvio Orlando, who played a scheming cardinal in The Young Pope.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis has called for a ban on "lethal autonomous weapons", while addressing the G7 leaders during the summit. Pope Francis became the first pontiff to address the G7 grouping, with a speech on the perils of artificial intelligence.

Pope Francis has called for a ban on "lethal autonomous weapons", while addressing the G7 leaders during the summit. Pope Francis became the first pontiff to address the G7 grouping, with a speech on the perils of artificial intelligence. "In light of the tragedy that is armed conflict, it is critical to reconsider the development and use of devices like the so-called 'lethal autonomous weapons' and ultimately ban their use," the 87-year-old said on Friday (June 14). Also read: G7 summit: PM Modi meets Macron, Sunak, Zelensky on sidelines, discusses bilateral ties and global issues In a meeting held in Puglia, southern Italy, Pope emphasised the importance of prioritising strong and clear human oversight in AI development. He stressed that machines should never be able to make independent decisions about taking human lives. Pope Francis, invited by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to address the Group of Seven (G7) summit, has repetitively condemned the arms industry and those he says profit from wars and death. "Artificial intelligence (is) at the same time a thrilling and terrifying tool," Pope Francis told leaders at the summit. "If we hand over control over our lives to machines, we risk a future where humanity is robbed of any sense of hope," he warned. The G7, which brings together Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, said on Friday that AI "can play a crucial role in promoting progress and development in our societies". Also read: G7 Outreach session: PM Modi calls for ending monopoly in technology "We recognise the impact of AI on the military domain and the need for a framework for responsible development and use," the leaders said in their joint statement. "We need to make sure and safeguard a space for proper human control over the choices made by artificial intelligence programmes: human dignity itself depends on it," Francis said. 'Serenity, smiles' Earlier, Pope Francis had spent the morning with comedians at the Vatican, including Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock and Jimmy Fallon. He met over 100 artists from the world of humour as part of his efforts to engage with contemporary culture. “Forget the formalities,!" the pontiff chuckled, thrusting his thumb in his ear and wiggling his fingers in a silent hello to the amused audience. "No speech needed.” "Engrossed as we are in many social and personal emergencies, you have the power to spread serenity and smiles," the pope told them. Also read: G7 summit: PM Modi meets Macron, Sunak, Zelensky on sidelines, discusses bilateral ties and global issues "You are among the few to have the ability to speak to very different people, from different generations, backgrounds and cultures," Francis said. The 107 comedians included Britain's Stephen Merchant, from TV show The Office, US stand-up comedian Rock, and Italy's Silvio Orlando, who played a scheming cardinal in The Young Pope. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 Summit: Pope Francis urges ban on 'lethal autonomous weapons'

In what would be a significant uptick in the campaign to punish the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine, the United States as per an AFP report claimed on Monday that the G7 nations are nearing an agreement on a strategy to impose a lower price for Russian oil.&nbsp;Describing talks among the G7 nations as 'advancing' a senior US official, speaking to AFP on the condition of anonymity, said: "We're still in final discussions with other G7 counterparts working to finalise this, but we're very close to a place where G7 leaders will have decided to urgently direct relevant ministers to develop mechanisms to set a global price cap for Russian oil."

Watch |&nbsp;G7 allies seek to close ranks against Russia

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Talking to the press at the G7 conference in Germany, President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters that a "consensus" was emerging and "the price cap is a serious method to achieve that outcome."

The targeting of the oil industry marks the biggest economic stakes so far, despite the fact that the West has already imposed numerous levels of sanctions on Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-is-not-the-time-for-negotiations-with-russia-zelensky-to-g7-countries-492242" hreflang="en">Now is not the time for negotiations with Russia, Zelensky to G7 countries</a>

Reportedly, the strategy aims to "force down the price of Russian oil" and deprive the Kremlin of its "main source of cash."

According to the plan, consuming nations would essentially set a low price for Russian oil, which Moscow would be forced to accept because it needs the money.

However, there are significant doubts over the unity of the consuming nations and whether Russia would actually bow down or whether it might instead respond by shutting off the energy supply to Europe.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In what would be a significant uptick in the campaign to punish the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine, the United States as per an AFP report claimed on Monday that the G7 nations are nearing an agreement on a strategy to impose a lower price for Russian oil.

In what would be a significant uptick in the campaign to punish the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine, the United States as per an AFP report claimed on Monday that the G7 nations are nearing an agreement on a strategy to impose a lower price for Russian oil. Describing talks among the G7 nations as 'advancing' a senior US official, speaking to AFP on the condition of anonymity, said: "We're still in final discussions with other G7 counterparts working to finalise this, but we're very close to a place where G7 leaders will have decided to urgently direct relevant ministers to develop mechanisms to set a global price cap for Russian oil." Watch | G7 allies seek to close ranks against Russia Talking to the press at the G7 conference in Germany, President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters that a "consensus" was emerging and "the price cap is a serious method to achieve that outcome." The targeting of the oil industry marks the biggest economic stakes so far, despite the fact that the West has already imposed numerous levels of sanctions on Russia. Also read | Now is not the time for negotiations with Russia, Zelensky to G7 countries Reportedly, the strategy aims to "force down the price of Russian oil" and deprive the Kremlin of its "main source of cash." According to the plan, consuming nations would essentially set a low price for Russian oil, which Moscow would be forced to accept because it needs the money. However, there are significant doubts over the unity of the consuming nations and whether Russia would actually bow down or whether it might instead respond by shutting off the energy supply to Europe. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

G7 leaders strategise to 'force down the price of Russian oil' and target Moscow's 'main source of cash'

From blimps to Pikachus, protesters gather to demand G7 action

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported. He said Japan will say what needs to be said and demand action from Beijing. Leaders of G7 nations had teleconference on Friday just after 11 pm Japan time. This was the first G7 conference that included Suga, Joe Biden and Mario Draghi.

On the coronavirus pandemic, Suga said he has had an unwavering resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people since assuming his post in September. He said that a lot had been learnt last year and his government had implemented what he believed to be the best measures.

Suga said vaccines will be the key to containing infections, adding that fair access in developing countries will be essential.&nbsp;

He called on the G7 to speed up the distribution of vaccines and oppose a protectionist approach to health issues. He also pledged to increase Japan`s contribution to a global framework for purchasing vaccines to 200 million dollars, reported NHK World.

Suga also expressed his determination to hold the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. He said he will work with the International Olympic Committee to realize a safe Game. He called on the other countries for support. Suga said the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics can serve as proof that mankind has overcome the coronavirus.

(With ANI inputs)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported. He said Japan will say what needs to be said and demand action from Beijing. Leaders of G7 nations had teleconference on Friday just after 11 pm Japan time. This was the first G7 conference that included Suga, Joe Biden and Mario Draghi. On the coronavirus pandemic, Suga said he has had an unwavering resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people since assuming his post in September. He said that a lot had been learnt last year and his government had implemented what he believed to be the best measures. Suga said vaccines will be the key to containing infections, adding that fair access in developing countries will be essential. He called on the G7 to speed up the distribution of vaccines and oppose a protectionist approach to health issues. He also pledged to increase Japan`s contribution to a global framework for purchasing vaccines to 200 million dollars, reported NHK World. Suga also expressed his determination to hold the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. He said he will work with the International Olympic Committee to realize a safe Game. He called on the other countries for support. Suga said the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics can serve as proof that mankind has overcome the coronavirus. (With ANI inputs)

Japan expresses concern about Chinese attempts in East, South China Sea

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G7 Summit: Pope Francis urges ban on 'lethal autonomous weapons'

G7 leaders strategise to 'force down the price of Russian oil' and target Moscow's 'main source of cash'

From blimps to Pikachus, protesters gather to demand G7 action

Japan expresses concern about Chinese attempts in East, South China Sea