Pope Leo denounces ‘culture of power’ driving rise of AI
Pope Leo issued his first encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, denouncing the 'culture of power' behind AI’s rapid rise and calling for rigorous ethical constraints, particularly in warfare. He also apologized for the Catholic Church’s delay in condemning slavery, acknowledging its role in sanctioning enslavement and describing modern digital economies as 'new forms of slavery.'
Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff, released his inaugural encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas* on Monday, warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and urging strict ethical oversight. The document, presented at the Vatican, frames AI as a tool driven by a 'culture of power' that risks normalizing war and concentrating control in the hands of a few corporate and technological actors. Leo emphasized that AI development, especially in military applications, must adhere to rigorous ethical standards to protect human dignity and prevent an arms race. The encyclical also addressed historical injustices, with Pope Leo apologizing for the Catholic Church’s delayed condemnation of slavery. He described slavery as 'a wound in Christian memory' and acknowledged the Church’s past role in granting authority to enslave 'infidels.' The apology marked the first time a pope explicitly recognized the Church’s complicity in sanctioning enslavement. Leo’s family history, which includes both enslaved individuals and enslavers, added personal weight to his remarks. During the Vatican event, Pope Leo highlighted concerns about AI’s influence on warfare, stating that its use in conflict must be regulated to prevent violations of human dignity. He criticized the concentration of power over digital systems, data, and infrastructure in private hands, warning that this lack of transparency fuels inequalities and manipulations. The document also referenced Christopher Olah, co-founder of US-based AI firm Anthropic, who attended the event. Encyclicals represent the highest form of papal teaching, guiding the 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church. Leo’s text outlines his priorities, including ethical AI governance and addressing systemic inequalities. The pope’s warnings extend beyond technology, framing digital economies as potential 'new forms of slavery' that exploit vulnerable populations. His call for accountability reflects broader concerns about unchecked technological and economic power.
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