Pope Leo manifesto: World leaders should be ‘slowing things down’ on AI

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, on May 15, 2026, urging global policymakers to address the risks of AI with stricter regulations and ethical oversight. The document calls for ‘clarity’ in establishing frameworks to curb AI’s distorting effects on justice and human dignity, while acknowledging its potential benefits. Leo XIV highlighted concerns about AI’s impact on children and workers, echoing his earlier warnings since becoming pope in May 2025. The encyclical draws parallels to Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 *Rerum Novarum*, which advocated for worker rights amid the Industrial Revolution. Leo XIV stressed that AI must serve humanity rather than dominate it, noting its unpredictable long-term effects on individuals and society. He urged leaders to engage in transparent discussions about AI’s ethical use, ensuring broad participation rather than allowing a select few to control its application. The pope cautioned against unchecked acceleration in AI adoption, advocating for ‘prudence, rigorous evaluation, and even a slower pace’ where necessary. This approach, he argued, is not anti-progress but a responsible effort to protect communities and human values. The Vatican’s stance contrasts with recent U.S. actions, including the Trump administration’s designation of Anthropic—a company involved in AI development—as a supply chain risk due to concerns over military and surveillance applications. Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei, had previously resisted federal use of its Claude chatbot for autonomous weapons or mass surveillance, sparking legal challenges. Meanwhile, the White House has shown more openness to AI integration, signaling a divide in global approaches to regulation. Leo XIV’s encyclical marks a significant intervention by the Catholic Church in the AI debate, framing it as a moral and societal imperative.