Pope Leo’s first encyclical tackles A.I., power and human dignity

Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, a 42,000-word document on May 15, 2026, marking the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s *Rerum Novarum*. The Vatican released the text in Italian and English during a ceremony in Rome’s new synod hall, where Leo was joined by three cardinals, AI co-founder Christopher Olah, and theologians Anna Rowlands and Léocadie Lushombo. The encyclical frames humanity’s relationship with AI through biblical imagery, contrasting the Tower of Babel—a symbol of hubris and uniformity—with the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, which represents communal responsibility centered on God. Leo warns that unchecked AI risks creating an 'inhuman and more unjust world,' driven by profit and the 'neutralization of differences,' while also acknowledging technology’s role in improving living standards. He emphasizes that tools must be 'oriented toward the good' to avoid harm. A central theme is the 'culture of power,' where Leo challenges militarized conflicts and the military-industrial complex profiting from arms. He calls for AI to be 'disarmed' from exploitative uses, urging governments and corporations to prioritize human dignity over data-driven efficiency. The document argues that reducing human experience to digital data—such as translating personal mysteries into algorithms—threatens fundamental ethical and spiritual values. Leo’s encyclical positions AI as a pivotal test for humanity’s moral direction, urging each generation to shape its era with justice and fraternity. The Vatican’s release underscores the Pope’s intent to position the Church as a leader in addressing AI’s ethical dilemmas, blending theological reflection with contemporary technological challenges.