Pope Leo XIV, a significant global critic of immigration and war, is addressing artificial intelligence, challenging American leaders in Silicon Valley. His recent encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” represents a key theological stance of his papacy concerning AI.
Leo, the first American pope, is pushing for Catholic values to guide the secular and American-driven AI industry that is rapidly shaping the global landscape. He emphasizes crucial ethical questions that demand attention, asking, “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?”
He advocates for disarming AI, likening his stance to the church’s opposition to nuclear armament, urging it to be free from the influences of domination, exclusion, and potential harm. Leo made this appeal during a speech at the Vatican, coinciding with the document’s release.
The presentation event was styled with bright visuals and included an introductory video produced in collaboration with EWTN, a globally recognized American Catholic network.