Pope Leo calls for being ‘profoundly human’ in the age of AI

Pope Leo XIV published *Magnifica Humanitas*, his first major papal document, on May 15, 2026, addressing the ethical and societal dangers of artificial intelligence. The 42,000-word encyclical warns of AI-driven job displacement, militarized automation, and the erosion of human dignity, comparing unchecked technological advancement to the biblical Tower of Babel. Pope Leo emphasizes the need for legal and ethical safeguards, including worker protections, algorithmic transparency, and human oversight in critical decisions like lethal force." "The document proposes specific measures to mitigate AI’s risks, such as social criteria for automation adoption, retraining programs for displaced workers, and responsible tech use in education. It also advocates for environmentally sustainable AI development and accountability in automated decision-making, like hiring or service access. The pope frames these calls as an exercise in ‘responsible care for the human family,’ urging prudence and slower adoption where necessary." "*Magnifica Humanitas* reflects Pope Leo’s broader focus on AI’s societal impact, echoing his papal name’s connection to Pope Leo XIII’s warnings about industrial-era labor exploitation. The Vatican has engaged with tech industry leaders, including representatives from Amazon, Meta, and Google, ahead of the encyclical’s release, though the document does not explicitly address artificial general intelligence (AGI). The pope’s stance aligns with calls for ethical governance in AI, positioning the Catholic Church as a key voice in global tech policy debates.