Pope Leo calls for being ‘profoundly human’ in the age of AI

Pope Leo XIV warns of AI risks in his first encyclical, calling for ethical frameworks to protect human dignity.

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The Big Picture

Pope Leo XIV released his first papal encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' on May 25, 2026, addressing the dangers of artificial intelligence and unconstrained technological power. The document serves as a manifesto on safeguarding humanity in the age of AI, discussing risks such as AI-powered warfare, labor displacement, and threats to human dignity. The pope emphasizes the need for new legal and ethical frameworks to govern technology, highlighting the economic and social upheaval caused by rapid AI adoption. He calls for a 'profoundly human' approach to technology, urging protections for individuals amid these changes.

Why It Matters

The Pope's encyclical signals a major institutional call for ethical AI governance, potentially influencing global policy and public discourse. By framing AI as a threat to human dignity, it pressures tech companies and governments to prioritize human-centric design and regulation, especially in warfare and labor.

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Pope Leo XIV attends the presentation of his first Encyclical Letter "Magnifica humanitas" on May 25, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. | Getty Images

Pope Leo XIV warned of the risks of AI and unconstrained technological power in his first major papal document released on Monday. Magnifica Humanitas is the pope's manifesto on "safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence," in which he discusses the dangers of AI-powered warfare, the effects of AI on labor, and the need for new legal and ethical frameworks to govern technology.

In his papal encyclical - a kind of open letter from the Catholic Church - Pope Leo stressed the economic and social upheaval that rapid AI adoption is creating, with inadequate protections for individuals that threaten human dignity. He com …

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Pope Leo calls for being ‘profoundly human’ in the age of AI | TechCulture