Pope Leo XIV, renowned for his stance against immigration crackdowns and war, has now turned his attention to artificial intelligence (A.I.), confronting powerful figures in Silicon Valley. Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States, unveiled a significant papal document called “Magnifica Humanitas” or “Magnificent Humanity” in a presentation at the Vatican on Monday.
This document stands as the most influential theological statement of Pope Leo’s papacy to date, marking a critical moral intervention on A.I. from a religious leader. Pope Leo’s approach seeks to inject Catholic moral values into a highly secular, predominantly American industry that is rapidly transforming global dynamics.
In his encyclical, Pope Leo poses pressing questions to society: “Where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?” His call aims to prompt reflection on the ethical trajectory of A.I. development and implementation.
Pope Leo emphasizes the need for A.I. to be “disarmed,” drawing an analogy to the Church’s advocacy for nuclear disarmament. He calls for technology to be liberated from any tendencies that turn it into a tool of domination, exclusion, and death. These remarks were delivered during a speech at the Vatican.
The unveiling of the document took place in the synod hall with a presentation styled akin to a branded launch event. Bright yellow banners and an engaging video, produced in collaboration with EWTN, an American Catholic network with international influence, accompanied the release.