Pope Leo to address human dignity in the age of AI

Pope Leo XIV will release a landmark encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, on Monday, focusing on preserving human dignity amid AI advancements. The document, his first as pope, warns against unchecked AI development that undermines human relationships and dignity, echoing concerns raised during a Vatican AI conference last week. Leo emphasized the need to balance technological progress with ethical safeguards, drawing parallels to Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical *Rerum Novarum*, which addressed industrial-era challenges. The encyclical arrives as the Vatican strengthens its response to AI’s societal impacts, including environmental, social, and educational consequences. Leo established an interdepartmental commission in May to study AI’s effects on humanity, signaling a coordinated approach. The document is expected to blend traditional Catholic teachings with new strategies tailored to AI’s unique risks, including debates over what constitutes humanity in an AI-driven world. Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah will join Leo at Monday’s unveiling, underscoring collaboration between faith leaders and tech experts. Anthropic has previously hosted discussions with religious leaders, including Christian groups, to explore AI’s ethical dimensions. Olah highlighted the urgency of global dialogue, stating that AI’s challenges require input from governments, academia, and civil society. The encyclical’s release coincides with broader Vatican efforts to engage with modern ethical dilemmas. Pope Francis set precedents with encyclicals on environmental care and social justice, framing Leo’s document as part of a long tradition. Analysts suggest *Magnifica Humanitas* will reinforce Catholic doctrine while advocating for proactive measures to mitigate AI’s risks to human values.