Pope Leo XIV released his first major papal document on Monday, calling for new legal and ethical frameworks to address the growing influence of artificial intelligence on society. The encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas, focuses on safeguarding human dignity in an era of rapid technological change, according to reporting from The Verge.
The 42,000-word letter warns of risks including AI-powered warfare, job displacement, and the exposure of children to AI tools. Pope Leo compared the current moment to the Tower of Babel, urging society to avoid what he called the “Babel syndrome,” defined as “the idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak, a uniformity that neutralizes differences, and the pretense that a single language — even a digital one — can translate everything, including the mystery of the person, into data and performance.”
The pope stressed that human intelligence, conscience, and freedom must guide technical innovations rather than allow technology to dominate. “The letter is an appeal for moral and social discernment that safeguards the primacy of the human person,” the document states, adding that prudence and sometimes a slower pace in adopting AI represent “an exercise of responsible care for the human family.”
Pope Leo chose his name in reference to Pope Leo XIII, who addressed worker protections during the industrial revolution. This choice underscores his focus on labor issues amid AI-driven economic shifts. Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah attended the presentation of the encyclical on Monday.
Representatives from Amazon, Meta, and Google reportedly met with Vatican officials before the release, as tech companies sought to shape the church’s stance. The encyclical does not mention artificial general intelligence, despite efforts by some groups to influence the pope on the topic.
The document does not reject AI outright. Instead, it advocates for “disarming” the technology in military, economic, and societal contexts. “To disarm means discrediting the assumption that technical power automatically confers the right to govern,” the pope writes. “To disarm does not mean rejecting technology, but preventing it from dominating humanity.”
Officials said the encyclical calls for protecting individuals from inadequate safeguards that could undermine human dignity. It addresses AI’s effects on labor markets, autonomous weapons systems, and digital content aimed at young people.
Politico reported that industry meetings with Vatican officials occurred ahead of publication as companies aimed to influence positions on emerging technologies. The letter frames these concerns within broader calls for ethical governance that prioritizes people over profit or unchecked power.
Background on the pope’s engagement with the issue shows a consistent emphasis on human-centered development. The encyclical builds on historical church responses to technological upheaval while addressing contemporary challenges like data-driven decision making and algorithmic control.
Observers noted that the document encourages rigorous evaluation of AI applications before widespread deployment. This approach seeks to balance innovation with protections for vulnerable populations affected by automation.
The release comes as AI systems become more embedded in daily life, from workplaces to conflict zones. Pope Leo’s text positions the Catholic Church as a voice advocating for limits on technology that could erode personal freedom or concentrate power.
Further details in the letter highlight the need for international cooperation on regulations. It stresses that technical advancements should serve the common good rather than create new forms of inequality or control.
Industry reactions have included quiet engagement with Vatican processes, though specific positions from companies remain limited in public statements. The encyclical’s length allows for extensive exploration of these themes across multiple sectors.
As governments and organizations consider AI policies, the document offers a moral framework rooted in Catholic teaching. It remains to be seen how policymakers will incorporate its recommendations into future laws or guidelines.