Pope Leo XIV Calls for Ethical Oversight in AI Development

Pope Leo XIV has issued his inaugural encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' addressing the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Released on May 25, 2026, the document calls for robust international regulation to prevent AI from undermining human dignity and exacerbating social inequalities.

The Pope warns that AI, if left unchecked, could become an 'instrument of domination, exclusion, and death.' He emphasizes the need to 'disarm AI' by removing it from military and economic interests and subjecting it to strict ethical oversight. The encyclical draws parallels between the current AI revolution and the Industrial Revolution, urging that technological progress should serve humanity rather than control it.

Pope Leo XIV also critiques the concentration of power among a few tech giants, cautioning against a 'culture of power' that drives the rapid rise of AI. He calls for developers and governments to prioritize ethical and spiritual values over profit and dominance, advocating for transparency, independent regulation, and measures to protect workers affected by automation.

The Vatican's ongoing dialogue with tech leaders is highlighted by the inclusion of Anthropic's co-founder, Christopher Olah, at the encyclical's presentation. This collaboration underscores the importance of moral voices and external oversight in managing AI's global impact.

Experts believe 'Magnifica Humanitas' will become a key reference in the evolving debate on AI ethics and regulation, emphasizing the need for accountability and moral responsibility in AI development.