Pope Leo’s AI Warning Struck a Nerve With Some Tech Leaders

Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence* sparked debate among tech leaders and U.S. officials after its release. The 42,300-word document warns of AI’s threats—job displacement, weaponization, and environmental destruction—while urging governments to prevent ‘the idolatry of profit’ from harming vulnerable groups. It also calls for rules on AI’s military use and planetary impact. Blake Scholl, CEO of a supersonic airliner company, dismissed the pope’s concerns, arguing that technological revolutions inevitably reshape labor markets. He suggested resistance to change would hinder progress, comparing modern fears to outdated agricultural practices. Similarly, David Sacks, a former Trump administration AI advisor, acknowledged AI’s risks but warned against excessive regulation, fearing government overreach could lead to dystopian surveillance. Sacks’ stance aligns with his past opposition to AI guardrails during his White House tenure, where he advised against an executive order he claimed would ‘hamstring’ U.S. tech against China. The proposal was later scrapped. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed skepticism, questioning whether the pope’s role includes ‘tech editorializing’ and implying such matters should be left to Silicon Valley. Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic convert, stood out as a rare supporter, calling the encyclical ‘profound’ after reviewing summaries. Vance, who previously worked in venture capital and has ties to tech billionaires like Peter Thiel, framed AI’s unpopularity as a political opportunity, though he has not signaled strong support for strict regulations. The encyclical’s reception highlights a divide between religious, ethical concerns and industry-driven skepticism toward AI oversight. While some officials dismiss the pope’s warnings, others—like Vance—acknowledge their resonance amid growing public unease over AI’s unchecked advancement.