The Vatican released Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas," offering a profound ethical framework for the AI era. Drawing parallels to the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, the Pope highlights that modern AI is "cultivated" rather than "built," leaving its inner workings largely opaque. The document warns against cultural biases, simulated human relationships, and the heavy environmental toll of AI infrastructure.
Pope Leo XIV's inaugural encyclical addresses artificial intelligence not merely as a technological shift, but as a lens to critique systemic global issues. The document warns against the extreme concentration of power and wealth within a small tech elite. Ultimately, it frames AI as a threat to democratic institutions and human agency when left unchecked by moral governance.
Pope Leo XIV has issued his first major papal document, "Magnifica Humanitas," focusing on safeguarding humanity in the age of AI. The manifesto warns against the dangers of unconstrained technological power, specifically highlighting the risks of AI-powered warfare and its disruptive effects on labor. The Pope calls for a "profoundly human" approach to navigating these technological shifts.