Excerpts from Pope Leo XIV's sweeping manifesto about humanity in the AI era

Pope Leo XIV published *Magnifica Humanitas*, an 83-page manifesto on Monday examining AI’s societal impacts. The pontiff warned that AI amplifies disinformation, undermining democracy by replacing truth with ‘what appears useful,’ and risks ‘totalitarianism’ if unchecked. He criticized digital platforms for prioritizing profit over human dignity, calling for ethical governance to preserve critical thought and inner freedom. The document emphasized labor protections, condemning profit-driven job sacrifices as morally unjustifiable. Leo urged governments to prioritize employment as a societal good, framing economic systems as subordinate to human dignity. He also demanded stricter accountability in AI-driven warfare, prohibiting automated lethal force and requiring clear responsibility chains for developers and users. Addressing global inequality, Leo criticized unchecked market concentration and called for policies ensuring equitable innovation benefits. He linked AI’s environmental toll—data centers consuming vast energy—to climate concerns, urging sustainable tech solutions. The manifesto also condemned digital networks’ role in human trafficking, labeling it ‘contemporary slavery.’ To counter digital hyperstimulation, Leo proposed alliances among policymakers, educators, and families. He stressed AI’s dual role in accelerating conflict while obscuring moral responsibility, demanding international frameworks to curb technological arms races. The document framed AI’s ethical challenges as requiring collective action to safeguard human values.