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Trump Administration Divided Over Pope Leo XIV’s AI Concerns

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 28, 2026

Pope Leo XIV’s AI Warning Draws Mixed Response From Trump Administration

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum criticized Pope Leo XIV’s warnings about artificial intelligence during an interview on Fox Business following the release of the pope’s 42,300-word encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas,” which called for stronger oversight of rapidly developing AI technologies and their social and economic impact.

Pope’s Encyclical and the Call for Oversight

In the document, Pope Leo XIV warned that unchecked artificial intelligence could displace workers, widen income inequality and transfer critical decisions, including those involving labor markets and military systems, to algorithms operating beyond human control. The encyclical also raised concerns about the growing use of AI in areas involving lethal weapons and automated decision-making systems.

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Divided Voices in the Trump Administration

Responses within the Trump administration differed sharply following the publication of the encyclical. Burgum questioned the pope’s involvement in technology policy discussions, while Vice President JD Vance publicly supported the pope’s position on ethical safeguards in artificial intelligence. Vance, one of the administration’s most prominent Catholic figures and a key link to Silicon Valley, described the pope’s intervention as an important form of moral leadership during a period of rapid technological change.

Political Ramifications Among Catholic Voters

The disagreement comes as President Donald Trump continues prioritizing artificial intelligence development and deregulation as part of his broader economic agenda. Political analysts said conservative Catholic voters remain largely aligned with the administration on issues including religious liberty and abortion. However, continued disagreements with Pope Leo XIV on immigration, warfare and technology policy could affect moderate Catholic voters in competitive districts.

Political scientist Ryan Burge warned that repeated clashes between the administration and the Vatican could gradually weaken support among less ideologically committed voters.

Technological Ambitions Versus Regulatory Caution

The debate intensified after the administration delayed an executive order that would have introduced a voluntary AI safety review process. According to reports, concerns over competition with China and pressure from technology companies contributed to the decision. The discussions also highlighted tensions involving AI firms such as Anthropic, which has previously disagreed with the administration regarding military access to its technology.

The Road Ahead

Artificial intelligence regulation continues emerging as a growing point of debate between governments, technology companies and public institutions. The exchanges between the Vatican and the Trump administration reflect broader disagreements over how rapidly developing AI systems should be governed and regulated.

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Keve Welcomes New Cyprus Business Development Organisation

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has welcomed Parliament’s unanimous approval of legislation establishing the Cyprus Business Development Organisation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals.

Expanding Access To Finance

The legislation creates a new public body aimed at addressing financing gaps by supporting businesses that struggle to secure funding through traditional channels.

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According to Keve, the initiative could strengthen entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness and support Cyprus’ green and digital transition. The chamber has long argued that SMEs rely too heavily on bank financing, limiting investment, expansion and innovation.

Keve Calls For Swift Implementation

Keve said it helped shape the legislation through the consultation process and called for the organisation to become operational as quickly as possible. It also pledged to continue working with the Finance Ministry and the organisation’s management to support implementation.

How The Organisation Will Operate

Approved by Parliament on Tuesday, the legislation establishes Cyprus’ national business development body under the supervision of the Finance Minister, while the Central Bank of Cyprus will oversee anti-money laundering compliance.

The organisation will design financing programmes, provide loans and conduct studies to identify weaknesses in the financing market.

Cyprus will provide €60 million in initial capital. Over time, the body will also be able to raise funding from European and international institutions and benefit from state guarantees linked to approved strategic priorities.

Recovery Plan Milestone

Creation of the organisation is one of the final milestones under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and is required for the country to receive the plan’s ninth and final payment. Appointment of the board of directors remains the last outstanding step.

Before approving the bill, the Finance Ministry revised the draft following consultations with MPs and stakeholders. The changes removed provisions allowing the organisation to establish companies and narrowed the list of eligible beneficiaries by excluding small mid-cap companies.

Lawmakers also strengthened governance rules by introducing stricter board suitability requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, enhanced reporting obligations and borrowing limits. A seven-member board appointed by the Cabinet will oversee the organisation, while a transitional board will serve for two years until it becomes fully operational.