It is a text entitled Magnificent Humanity (“Magnificent Humanity”). This major document was presented in person by Pope Leo XIV this Monday, May 25, to journalists at the Vatican. This highly anticipated text, which is nearly 43,000 words, has been in preparation since his election as pope a little over a year ago. This first encyclical from the Pope – one of the highest forms of teaching from a pontiff addressed to the 1.4 billion members of the Church – evokes a subject which is particularly close to his heart: artificial intelligence (AI). A technology which affects all aspects of human existence, and which in fact poses a anthropological challenge to all of humanity, according to Pope Leo XIV.
The Holy Father thus urges governments to slow down the development of AI systems, warning them that they spread disinformation, favor conflicts and risk leading the world onto a path to endless war. He said society needed to confront “crucial questions” regarding the development of AI.
America’s first pope also calls for ownership of AI data not to be left solely in private hands, for policymakers to protect workers’ rights and keep children safe from the technology. He also urges moderation of competition between AI companies. “What is needed is a more active political commitment, capable of slowing things down while everything is speeding up,” underlines Léon in this text. The pope wants the establishment of “solid legal frameworks, independent monitoring, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibilities.”
The sovereign pontiff also asks not to give up tackling the potential risks of AI systems. “A subtle temptation can arise, namely the idea that the problems are too big and we are too small, and that our choices, therefore, cannot change anything,” he writes. “Certainly, we do not all have the same power of influence,” declared Leo XIV. “However, no one is exempt from responsibility. We all have areas of action at our disposal.”
A call to “disarm” AI
In his encyclical, indicates The WorldLeo XIV calls for “disarming AI”, by breaking “this equivalence between technical power and the right to govern”. We must “remove it from the logic of armed competition which today is no longer only military, but also economic and cognitive”, and prevent “technology from dominating humans” without renouncing it, the Pope develops.
Leo XIV, who has adopted a firmer tone in recent months and incurred the wrath of US President Donald Trump after criticizing the war against Iran, also warns against the use of AI in wars. As specified The Worldhe believes that “it is not acceptable to entrust fatal decisions to artificial systems”. “The decision to use lethal force (…) must remain under effective, conscious and responsible human control,” he said.
The sovereign pontiff also points out the dangers that AI poses to employment, an essential element of human dignity. “In certain contexts, it is realistic to fear a significant and rapid contraction of available jobs,” he warns.
