On May 25, 2026, the Roman Catholic Church released its first encyclical under Pope Leo XIV, titled Magnifica humanitas, addressing concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI). This document emphasizes the importance of safeguarding human dignity and establishing ethical guidelines for AI development, aiming to prevent the technology from being controlled solely by a few tech leaders.
Pope Leo XIV's message states that while AI is not inherently immoral, its integration into society should be approached cautiously. He calls for the development of social safety nets to support those affected by economic changes and advocates for democratic oversight of technological advancements. The encyclical also challenges the notion of AI possessing true intelligence, asserting that this quality is unique to humans.
This teaching letter, which follows a tradition of papal encyclicals that engage with contemporary issues, seeks to influence both the faithful and the broader public. It reflects the Church's historical role in navigating modern challenges, a stance reminiscent of Pope Leo XIII during the Industrial Revolution.