In a significant and highly anticipated theological declaration released on Monday, Pope Leo XIV urged for enhanced oversight and a more deliberate tempo regarding advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cautioning that this rapidly evolving technology is exacerbating and normalizing conflicts worldwide.
In his inaugural encyclical, titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), the first pontiff born in the U.S. articulated the view that AI must not be monopolized by a select few. He emphasized the need to “disarm AI,” clarifying that this doesn’t equate to dismissing technology but rather ensuring it does not overshadow humanity.
Pope Leo asserted that simple regulation would not suffice.
The encyclical's presentation at the Vatican included notable AI figure Christopher Olah, a co-founder of Anthropic, the AI company that has recently become a contentious topic, particularly due to the actions of former President Donald Trump’s administration, which halted the use of Anthropic's technology by federal agencies after it denied the military unrestricted access.
This release came after the pope experienced public criticism from Trump following his remarks on the Iran war.
During the presentation, Olah recognized that AI companies, including Anthropic, operate within a framework of incentives and limitations that can sometimes be at odds with ethical conduct. He asserted the essentiality of external voices who can critically evaluate the direction of AI development. He echoed the pope’s call for greater involvement from global actors—religious organizations, civil society, scholars, and governments—to engage constructively and steer AI towards a positive trajectory.
Although the encyclical was made public on Monday, it had been signed on May 15 to align with the 135th anniversary of a pivotal document authored by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, which concentrated on workers’ rights amid the industrial revolution. The current Pope emphasized the need to move beyond repeating historical teachings, urging for divine wisdom to navigate the significant technological transformations of today.
Identifying himself as an advocate for science, the math-trained pope clarified that he does not oppose technology. Instead, he expressed concern over the potential misuse of AI by a small group of powerful interests, warning against its capability to normalize warfare through autonomous weapons. He stated, "A more moral AI is not enough if that morality is determined by a few."
In his encyclical, Leo called for a measured and thorough evaluation of AI, suggesting that adopting it too hastily is not an opposition to progress but a responsible approach to safeguarding humanity.
Vatican analyst Deborah Lubov highlighted the pope's keen interest in the sciences and technology, noting that while he acknowledges the risks associated with AI, he advocates for establishing a moral framework to guide its application.
Leo pointed out the alarming ease with which autonomous weapon systems can now be deployed, making conflict more manageable and diminishing human oversight. He insisted that AI's role in warfare necessitates strict ethical standards to uphold human dignity and the sanctity of life, cautioning against an arms race fueled by technological advancements.
The pontiff lamented that humanity seems to be slipping into a culture dominated by violence, where peace is viewed merely as an intermittent pause between conflicts. He concluded by asserting that addressing these challenges is not only an ethical or technical issue but also has profound ecological implications, as it relates to our collective existence. He stressed that AI is an environment we must engage with and that merely regulating it will not suffice; it requires a fundamental reevaluation and modification to ensure it is inclusive and transformative.
