Peter Thiel attacks Obama and Pope Leo XIV — Accuses them of exploiting fears over AI
Technology billionaire Peter Thiel (co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund) is escalating his attacks against critics of artificial intelligence (AI), accusing former US President Barack Obama and Pope Leo XIV of exploiting public fears surrounding AI, according to exclusive recordings from closed-door lectures obtained by POLITICO's Decoded. In a new series of speeches delivered in Nashville, Thiel targeted both leaders while intensifying his warnings regarding the Antichrist. This is a figure he conceptualizes as a force attempting to halt technological progress and promote a "global government" that would impose regulatory restrictions. "Many people know that AI is not politically popular and they want to leverage that to boost their own popularity," Thiel stated. "Both Obama and the Pope fall into this category. Obama knows that Democrats have no ideas, but at least they can oppose artificial intelligence." The former US president had recently called on Democrats to formulate a more comprehensive plan regarding artificial intelligence.
Pope Leo XIV targeted as well
Thiel appeared even more critical toward Pope Leo XIV, suggesting that his involvement with artificial intelligence aims to divert attention from sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the Catholic Church. "He needed something politically popular to distract attention from child sexual abuse scandals in the Church, and he found it in AI," stated Thiel, referencing the Pope's first encyclical on artificial intelligence. The statements were made during lectures delivered on September 28 and October 5, offering a rare look into the evolving political priorities of one of the most influential conservative figures in the tech industry.
The debate over AI and ideological conflict
Thiel's opposition to government regulation of technology is nothing new. On the contrary, it is a stance shared by several venture capital investors across Silicon Valley. However, his decision to bring these political disagreements into the realm of religion and directly attack the head of the Catholic Church goes beyond the bounds of standard debate typical of other politically active figures in the tech sector's conservative wing. This shift carries implications extending far beyond the tech world. Thiel was among the early supporters of President Donald Trump, while serving as one of the primary financial backers for Vice President JD Vance's entry into politics following his background in venture capital.
Pressure on JD Vance over ties to Thiel
Thiel's attacks on the Catholic Church may raise questions for JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism. At the same time, as Democrats begin preparing for the 2028 presidential election, some have already begun directing fire at Vance, focusing on his ties to the billionaire investor.
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών