Pope Leo warns AI risks becoming tool of 'domination, exclusion and death' in new encyclical

Pope Leo XIII issued the Vatican’s latest encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, framing artificial intelligence as a transformative yet perilous force akin to the Industrial Revolution’s exploitation of labor. The document warns AI could become a tool of 'domination, exclusion, and death' unless governments and institutions impose ethical limits, comparing its governance challenges to nuclear arms control. The pope highlighted risks such as autonomous weapons systems beyond human control and AI-driven bias that denies access to healthcare, employment, and security. The encyclical explicitly links AI’s dangers to historical moral failures, invoking Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 *Rerum Novarum* to argue for systemic safeguards rooted in trust and human dignity. Pope Leo XIII cited Peru’s devastating floods as an example of how rebuilding societies requires restoring trust—a principle he applied to AI governance. He emphasized that AI must serve the 'common good,' not concentrate power or exacerbate inequality. The Vatican’s intervention injects moral theology into a predominantly secular debate, urging humanity to resist surrendering moral judgment to machines. The pope’s call to 'stay awake' reflects concerns about unchecked AI development, particularly in areas like biased algorithms and weaponized systems. The document frames human dignity as non-negotiable, asserting that no machine can replicate the 'freedom, interiority, and vocation to love' inherent to individuals. While tech companies and governments race to advance AI without comprehensive regulation, the encyclical positions the Catholic Church as a moral authority demanding accountability. Pope Leo XIII’s warnings extend beyond technological risks, framing AI as a test of humanity’s ability to prioritize ethics over progress. The Vatican’s stance underscores the need for global cooperation to ensure AI aligns with values of inclusion, transparency, and human welfare.