Pope Leo XIV has issued his first encyclical 'Magnifica Humanitas,' calling for AI to be 'disarmed' and repurposed for the common good. The document critiques AI-powered weapons, data colonialism, and tech monopolies while advocating for technology that serves rather than dominates humanity. The encyclical, signed on the anniversary of the landmark 1891 'Rerum Novarum,' updates Catholic social teaching for the AI era with a vision of technology that augments human dignity.
Background
The Vatican has become increasingly vocal about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, with Pope Francis previously calling for an international treaty to regulate AI development. This encyclical represents a significant expansion of Catholic social teaching into the digital age, building on the Church's long tradition of addressing social and economic justice issues.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- May 26, 2026 at 05:07 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10