Pope Leo takes aim at big tech in sweeping encyclical on AI

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, on May 25, framing artificial intelligence as a transformative yet perilous force akin to the industrial revolution. The document warns AI risks widening inequality, weakening democracy, and undermining human dignity by concentrating power in the hands of wealthy elites who control data and economic influence. The pope calls for 'disarming AI'—removing it from military and economic competition—while advocating for stricter state and international regulations to ensure accessibility and ethical oversight. Leo argues that simply regulating AI is insufficient; it must be 'welcoming and accessible' to prevent domination over humanity. The encyclical highlights risks like AI amplifying existing power imbalances, shaping democratic processes, and steering economic dynamics to favor a privileged few. It also warns of AI eroding human connection, as interactions with chatbots may reduce the desire for genuine human relationships and discourage personal creativity. The document draws parallels to Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical *Rerum Novarum*, addressing industrial-era challenges, and reflects input from scientists, engineers, and public officials. Pope Leo emphasized the need for collective participation in AI’s development, regulation, and benefits, stressing that human dignity—rooted in existence itself—must never be subordinated to technology. The encyclical was presented alongside Vatican officials, theologians, and Chris Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, an AI company promoting ethical development. Olah acknowledged conflicts between commercial incentives and ethical AI goals, urging broader collaboration among religious, civil, and governmental sectors to guide AI toward positive outcomes. Central to the message is the insistence that human beings must remain central to AI’s role, not passive recipients of machine-driven decisions. The pope cautioned against over-reliance on AI for ready-made answers, which could weaken personal judgment and innovation. The document concludes with a call to action: while AI must be 'disarmed' from harmful influences, humanity must actively shape its future with justice and solidarity at the forefront.