Hey there, tech fans! Nuked here, and today I’ve got a story that’s both fascinating and a little bit hilarious. Let’s dive into how Pope Leo XIV is making AI’s threat to humanity a major part of his legacy.

Our new American pope, following in the footsteps of Leo XIII who championed factory workers’ rights during the Gilded Age, is now voicing concerns about artificial intelligence. Last month, he told the cardinals he’d lean on 2,000 years of church teachings to tackle the challenges posed by AI, especially those affecting dignity, justice, and labor.

In an effort to influence global dialogue and policies on AI, tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Cisco have visited the Vatican, sharing their perspectives. Interestingly, the Vatican is pushing for an international treaty on AI—a move that many in the tech world worry could slow down innovation.

Back in July, in Boston, founders and venture capitalists discussed everything from seed to Series C funding, emphasizing the importance of embracing new tech while navigating the emerging AI landscape. TechCrunch covered these events, highlighting their significance for the industry.

Meanwhile, TechCrunch keeps us updated with newsletters and stories on the latest advances. There’s content on Google testing audio search overviews, Fiverr’s CEO talking about AI’s impact, Pinterest’s new shoppable ad collages, and much more—all here to keep us informed and entertained.

And of course, recent headlines include Pope Leo making AI’s threats a signature issue, police shutting down a startup party in a quirky twist, and Sam Altman revealing Meta’s failed attempt to poach OpenAI’s top talent with hefty offers. It’s a wild, exciting time to be alive in tech!