VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Monday issued a sweeping call for robust regulation of artificial intelligence, urging developers to prioritize the common good over profit in what is being hailed as a landmark document on the moral implications of the technology.
A Manifesto for Humanity
In his first encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), the pope addressed the profound impact of AI on work, warfare, and human dignity. The document has been eagerly awaited since Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, declared AI the greatest challenge facing humanity shortly after his election.
Leo denounced the “culture of power” driving the AI race, particularly in the development of advanced remote warfare systems. He declared it “not permissible” to entrust irreversible, lethal decisions to AI, setting the stage for potential conflict with the Trump administration, which has pursued deregulation of AI.
A Benchmark for Debate
Experts in technology, academia, and Catholic morality predict the encyclical will become a benchmark in the global AI debate. Taylor Black, a Microsoft AI executive and director of Catholic University of America’s AI institute, noted that the document prompts reflection on what it means to be human in an age of powerful tools.
The Vatican launched the encyclical with an event featuring Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah, despite the company’s legal battle with the Trump administration over access to its AI technology. The inclusion underscored the Vatican’s decade-long effort to engage Silicon Valley in dialogue about AI’s human costs.
Call for Regulation and Reflection
Leo repeatedly criticized the concentration of power and data in the hands of a few private sector players, calling for external regulation. “It is not enough to invoke ethics in the abstract; robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility are required,” he wrote. He urged AI developers and political leaders to slow down and reflect, using ethical and spiritual guidelines to prioritize humanity over profit.
The pope’s appeal comes as AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, exceeding the GDP of many nations.
Historical Context and Social Teaching
Leo signed the encyclical on May 15, the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, a foundational document of modern Catholic social thought by his namesake, Pope Leo XIII. Magnifica Humanitas applies core Catholic concepts—justice, solidarity, and the dignity of work—to the digital revolution.
Paolo Carozza, a law professor at Notre Dame and chair of the Meta oversight board, called the document “defining for our era,” offering a clear voice urging responsibility to ensure technology serves humanity.
Warfare and Just War Theory
In its strongest chapters, Leo denounced AI’s role in normalizing war by desensitizing people to its costs. He cited “opposing imperialisms” without naming specific conflicts. He demanded transparency in AI-driven strikes and declared the Catholic Church’s “just war” theory outdated given technological advances.
Labor and Human Dignity
Leo addressed AI’s impact on jobs, writing, “The pursuit of greater profits cannot justify choices that systematically sacrifice jobs, because the human person is an end, not a means.” He also issued the first papal apology for the Holy See’s role in legitimizing slavery, extending his concern for human dignity.
Dialogue with Silicon Valley
The Vatican’s decade-long dialogue with tech firms continued with Anthropic’s involvement, despite criticism that it implied papal endorsement. Brian Boyd of the Future of Life Institute viewed it as recognition of the company’s power and responsibility, noting Anthropic has demonstrated goodwill and interest in dialogue.
