Pope Leo Unveils His Encyclical: AI Has ‘Even Greater Consequences’ Than Industrial Revolution

Pope Leo XIV unveiled *Magnifica Humanitas*, his first encyclical, in Vatican City on May 15, 2026, marking the same date as Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical on industrialization. The Pope framed AI as a transformative force with consequences surpassing those of the Industrial Revolution, affecting human coexistence, decision-making, and warfare. He emphasized the need for ethical oversight, particularly for autonomous weapons systems, which he described as increasingly uncontrollable. The encyclical was developed through consultations with scientists, engineers, political leaders, and educators, reflecting diverse perspectives on AI’s potential benefits and dangers. Pope Leo stressed the importance of dialogue, urging religious leaders, governments, and tech developers to collaborate in shaping responsible AI policies. Canadian AI researcher Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, attended the event, praising the Pope’s call for informed criticism and moral guidance in AI development. The document highlights concerns about AI’s role in modern warfare, where technological advancements are altering conflict dynamics beyond human control. Pope Leo framed his role as one of faith, reason, and advocacy for the marginalized, echoing his predecessor’s response to industrial-era challenges. He acknowledged both the promise of AI—such as alleviating suffering—and the risks of unchecked autonomy in weapons systems and societal decision-making. Anthropic, a leading AI company, has faced tensions with the U.S. Department of Defense after refusing to allow military use of its software, aligning with the encyclical’s ethical concerns. Olah, though not religious, supported the Pope’s initiative, urging broader sectors to engage in ethical discussions about AI’s future. The Vatican event underscored the need for global cooperation to ensure AI serves humanity rather than undermines it.