Jeffrey Sachs has spent decades advising governments and world leaders, including during the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. His relationship with the Vatican began under Saint John Paul II, whom he met in 1991 while advising Poland on its transition from communism.
More than three decades later, Sachs sees another historic turning point: the global race for artificial intelligence. Inspired by Marco Polo’s journey across Eurasia, he recently took it upon himself to deliver Pope Leo XIV’s message on AI to world leaders.
In this episode, Sachs reflects on Saint John Paul II’s role in ending the Cold War, why he believes the United States squandered an opportunity for peace, and the significance of an American pope in a changing world order. He also explains why he sees parallels between the Cold War and today’s AI race, and what role the Catholic Church might play in preventing another global confrontation.
In this episode:
How Jeffrey Sachs came to advise Poland during the collapse of communism
Why he rejects the idea that America “won” the Cold War
What the election of an American pope means for a changing world order
Why Sachs retraced Marco Polo’s journey to deliver Pope Leo XIV’s AI message
Whether the global AI race is becoming a new Cold War
Why Sachs believes artificial intelligence presents dangers comparable to nuclear weapons
How Catholic social teaching can help shape a more peaceful international order
For Sachs, the parallels between the end of the Cold War and today’s AI race are striking. Both represent moments when humanity must choose between cooperation and confrontation. Having witnessed what he considers a missed opportunity for peace in 1991, he believes the stakes today are even higher — and that Pope Leo XIV has a uniquely important role to play.