In a significant move for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has issued his first encyclical, titled *Magnifica Humanitas*, in which he raises critical concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The document, released on May 25, advocates for the “disarming” of AI technologies, suggesting that such innovations should serve humanity rather than dominate it.
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The encyclical spans 235 pages and was presented in the Vatican alongside Chris Olah, a prominent figure in the AI field and co-founder of the tech company Anthropic. Interestingly, Anthropic has faced scrutiny from former President Donald Trump’s administration over its decision to restrict the Pentagon’s use of its technology, indicating a broader debate surrounding the ethical implications of AI in military applications.
Pope Leo XIV’s remarks underscore his belief that “no algorithm can make war morally acceptable.” He elaborates on the idea that AI does not alleviate the fundamental inhumanities associated with conflict; instead, it can exacerbate them. The pontiff asserts that the rapid and impersonal nature of AI could lead to a troubling new era where the threshold for violence is lowered, with casualties reduced to mere numbers in a database.
Throughout the encyclical, the Pope makes it clear that he does not advocate for a complete rejection of technological advancements. Instead, he proposes a framework in which AI is embraced responsibly—describing it as an environment we are already entrenched in and a force we must engage with carefully. He argues that regulatory frameworks on their own are not enough; a mindful approach to the development and deployment of AI is essential to ensure it aligns with ethical and humanitarian principles.
Furthermore, the Pope emphasises that humanity possesses alternative tools for conflict resolution—namely dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness. He warns against a persistent state of global conflict, which he views as inherently evil, and urges a collective recognition of the need for peaceful solutions.
This encyclical comes amid a backdrop of contentious discussions between the Vatican and political figures in the United States. Vice President JD Vance recently suggested that the Catholic Church should focus more narrowly on its religious mission, rather than engaging directly in political matters. His comments followed an interview in which he defended an AI-generated social media post by Donald Trump that controversially portrayed him in a Christ-like manner.
During the same conversation, Vance critiqued the Pope’s engagement in international affairs, asserting that the Vatican would be better served by sticking to its core moral teachings. His remarks reflect a wider tension between the Church and certain political figures, especially in light of Pope Leo’s opposition to ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Iran.
Notably, the rift between Trump and Pope Leo began earlier this year, when the pontiff condemned the former president’s doomsday rhetoric regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Following this, Trump took to social media, criticising Pope Leo for prioritising political engagements over what he termed as effective leadership.
In a subsequent statement, Pope Leo expressed his determination to advocate for peace, asserting, “Too many innocent people are being killed. Someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way.” This assertion highlights the Pope’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peaceful resolutions, even in the face of opposition from political leaders.
As the Pope navigates these challenges, his encyclical stands as a profound statement on the ethical implications of technology in the modern world. By calling for the responsible stewardship of artificial intelligence, he aims to guide a crucial conversation about its role in society and the potential consequences that await if it is left unchecked.
The release of *Magnifica Humanitas* not only signals the Vatican’s engagement with contemporary issues but also reaffirms the Church’s enduring commitment to moral leadership in an increasingly complex landscape. The call to disarm AI is a reflection of broader societal concerns about technology and its impact on human values, urging a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.