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Pope Leo XIV has released his first encyclical, urging global vigilance over the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, according to Vatican News.
Entitled “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” the document calls for clear accountability, oversight, and ethical responsibility across all stages of AI development. It also urges governments and institutions to establish strong AI policies, independent oversight bodies, and public education to ensure responsible use.
The pope warns against the concentration of technology in the hands of a few, advocating fair access and protection of vulnerable communities while combating misinformation and hatred. He further stresses that AI must be disarmed from military and economic competition, warning that no algorithm can make war morally acceptable or humane.
While acknowledging AI’s potential to improve productivity and reduce burdensome tasks, the encyclical cautions that workers must not be forced to adapt to machines at the expense of dignity and livelihoods.
It also highlights risks linked to AI-driven warfare, warning that technology may accelerate conflict and reduce human suffering to data-driven calculations.
The pope concludes by emphasizing that the common good, human dignity, and the right of peoples to preserve their identity must remain central to any technological future. He reiterates that technological progress must never override humanity’s moral values, stressing that innovation should serve people, peace, and the protection of life worldwide.