Inside Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas: A stark warning on AI and humanity’s future

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, on May 25, 2026, addressing the dangers of artificial intelligence. The document warns that AI’s unregulated development risks undermining human dignity, global peace, and social justice, framing it as a modern 'Tower of Babel' driven by power-seeking agendas. The Pope emphasizes that AI developers bear ethical and spiritual responsibility, as their design choices reflect broader visions of humanity, and urges governments to implement robust legal frameworks and oversight to mitigate risks. The encyclical rejects traditional 'Just War' theory, calling it outdated in the face of modern conflicts marked by civilian casualties and AI-driven warfare. Pope Leo XIV condemns lethal autonomous weapons, insisting accountability cannot be delegated to machines and advocating for stricter ethical controls. He instead promotes diplomacy and soft power as alternatives to violence, arguing that peace must be actively pursued rather than passively maintained. Economically, the Pope warns AI could worsen inequality and unemployment, framing job losses as morally unacceptable sacrifices for profit. He links AI-driven labor exploitation—such as data labeling—to modern slavery and 'digital colonialism,' demanding fair taxation to protect vulnerable populations. The document also critiques GDP as an inadequate measure of well-being, urging a broader assessment of human and environmental welfare. Pope Leo XIV calls for decentralized AI development to prevent power concentration in a 'technocratic class,' advocating for inclusive processes that reflect diverse voices. The encyclical frames AI’s risks as both ethical and systemic, requiring global cooperation to align technology with human dignity and the common good.