Pope calls for robust regulation of AI in manifesto that ponders the future of humanity
Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, calling for strict AI regulation and condemning its use in lethal autonomous weapons, while urging developers to prioritize humanity over profit. The document criticizes unchecked corporate power in AI development and demands legal frameworks to prevent exploitation, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children, during a Vatican event featuring Anthropic’s co-founder amid ongoing legal disputes with the Trump administration.
Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, on Monday, urging robust regulation of artificial intelligence and warning against its misuse in warfare and profit-driven development. The document, presented at the Vatican, condemns the 'culture of power' driving AI advancements, particularly the deployment of autonomous weapons systems, declaring such decisions 'not permissible' for AI. Leo criticized the concentration of data and influence in private sector hands, emphasizing the need for external oversight, legal frameworks, and ethical accountability beyond corporate self-regulation. The encyclical follows Leo’s earlier statement that AI poses the greatest challenge to humanity, framing it as a moral and societal imperative. It calls on developers and policymakers to slow progress, prioritize human welfare, and reject profit motives, arguing that 'a more moral AI is not enough if that morality is determined by a few.' The Vatican’s event included remarks from Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah, who acknowledged the necessity of external checks amid the company’s legal battle with the Trump administration over AI security risks. Leo’s stance contrasts with the Trump administration’s push to deregulate AI, creating a diplomatic tension. The document is expected to influence global debates on AI ethics, jobs, and governance, with experts noting its potential to shape policy and corporate behavior. Anthropic and OpenAI, two of the most valuable U.S. private companies, face scrutiny over their rapid growth and influence, with Leo’s encyclical serving as a benchmark for accountability in the industry. The Vatican’s engagement with Silicon Valley, including Anthropic’s participation, reflects a decade-long effort to address AI’s human costs. Leo’s warnings target not only technological risks but also systemic vulnerabilities, such as child exploitation and data monopolies. The encyclical underscores the need for collaboration between faith leaders, policymakers, and tech developers to ensure AI serves humanity rather than exacerbates inequality or conflict.
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