Pope Leo XIV has issued a new encyclical, adding to the global discourse on artificial intelligence (AI). Released Monday, this roughly 40,000-word document casts a spotlight on the potential dangers posed by AI. These include concerns about the technology’s ability to exacerbate societal inequalities, undermine the dignity of workers, and potentially be used to automate warfare.
The encyclical comes amid ongoing debates about AI’s role in society, especially with Anthropic, a prominent tech company, already engaged in a dispute with the Trump administration. Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, played a part in assisting Pope Leo XIV with the release of this significant document at the Vatican.
This release taps into widespread concerns about the implications of AI advancements. The Pope’s message is directed at a global audience apprehensive about how AI might transform various aspects of life, emphasizing ethical considerations in AI development.
The encyclical urges for a cautious approach to AI integration into society, calling for measures that prioritize human values and dignity in the face of rapid technological change.