Pope calls for robust regulation of AI in eagerly awaited first encyclical
Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' calling for strict AI regulation and condemning its use in lethal autonomous weapons, framing it as a moral and existential threat to humanity. The document urges developers and governments to prioritize ethical oversight, warning against unchecked profit motives and data monopolies by private corporations like Anthropic and OpenAI.
Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' on Monday, addressing the urgent need for robust regulation of artificial intelligence. The document, eagerly awaited since his election, declares AI a defining challenge for humanity and condemns its exploitation for profit, particularly in remote warfare. Leo explicitly stated that AI should not be entrusted with irreversible, lethal decisions, clashing with the Trump administration’s push for AI deregulation. The encyclical criticizes the 'culture of power' driving AI development, warning of monopolized data control by private companies and its risks to vulnerable populations. It demands legal frameworks, independent oversight, and political accountability, rejecting abstract ethical appeals. Leo urged developers and policymakers to slow progress and align AI with spiritual and ethical principles for the common good. Anthropic, a leading AI firm, was involved in the Vatican’s dialogue despite legal disputes with the Trump administration over AI access. Co-founder Christopher Olah praised the pope’s call for external checks, emphasizing the need for global collaboration to prevent AI from displacing human labor and exacerbating inequality. The encyclical is expected to influence global AI debates, positioning the Vatican as a moral authority on technology governance. AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, valued at hundreds of billions, face scrutiny over their influence and lack of transparency. Leo’s document highlights tensions between technological advancement and ethical responsibility, urging a shift from profit-driven innovation to humanity-centered development. Experts anticipate the encyclical will serve as a benchmark for policymakers, researchers, and the public in shaping AI’s future.
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