Thiel Accuses Pope Leo XIV of Serving Beijing’s AI Interests Through Regulation Calls
Tech billionaire Peter Thiel criticized Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical on artificial intelligence, arguing that calls for global AI regulation inadvertently benefit the Chinese Communist Party by slowing Western innovation while China continues to advance. Thiel, who co-founded PayPal and Palantir and invests in major AI firms, stated that the Vatican’s stance acts as a 'useful idiot' for Beijing, potentially leading the U.S. and its allies to impose restrictive rules that hinder their competitive edge. This critique emerged just before President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping were scheduled to meet in Washington to discuss AI risks and potential cooperation. Thiel’s comments reflect his broader opposition to technology regulation, including previous comparisons of AI safety advocates to 'the Antichrist.' The Vatican did not immediately respond to the criticism.
Key points
- Peter Thiel labeled Pope Leo XIV a 'useful idiot for the Chinese Communist Party' for advocating AI regulation in a May encyclical.
- Thiel argued that while China ignores the Pope’s calls, the U.S. and allies may adopt restrictive rules, allowing China to surge ahead in AI development.
- The remarks were made during an interview with Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, ahead of a scheduled meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in Washington.
- Thiel, a partner at Founders Fund with investments in OpenAI, Palantir, and Scale AI, has a history of opposing tech regulation, including criticizing AI safety advocates like Eliezer Yudkowsky.
- Vatican spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Thiel’s accusations.
Background
This dispute occurs amid heightened U.S.-China tensions over AI development. In September 2026, U.S. agencies accused Chinese firms of cloning American AI models, while President Trump announced plans to create an 'AI Force' to accelerate domestic growth. Thiel’s recent activities in Argentina also highlighted his interest in techno-libertarian reforms, contrasting with his current focus on international regulatory debates.
Why it matters
Thiel’s criticism highlights a deep divide between tech investors and religious or ethical voices on AI governance. If Western nations adopt the Pope’s regulatory framework, it could disadvantage them against China, which faces no such constraints. This debate influences upcoming U.S.-China negotiations on AI risks and could shape global tech policy for years.
What to watch
Watch for reactions from the Vatican and U.S. policymakers to Thiel’s comments, especially as Trump and Xi Jinping meet in Washington. Monitor whether Western governments adopt AI regulations aligned with the Pope’s encyclical or prioritize competitive speed over caution.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Politico