Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical on Monday, warning that artificial intelligence could become a tool of domination, exclusion, death, and war [1].
The document, titled "Magnifica Humanitas," marks a significant intervention by the Holy See into the global debate over technology. By framing AI risks as existential threats to peace and humanity, the Pope is urging world leaders to move beyond voluntary guidelines toward mandatory legal frameworks.
In the encyclical, which spans more than 100 pages [4], the Pope said that artificial intelligence must be regulated to prevent it becoming a tool of domination, exclusion, and death [1]. He said there is a need for transparency in how these systems are developed and deployed [3].
A primary concern cited in the text is the concentration of power. The Pope said that the world must ensure that AI is not concentrated in the hands of a few, lest it fuel conflict and threaten peace [2]. This focus on equity suggests the Vatican views the digital divide not just as an economic issue, but as a security risk.
The Pope also said that unchecked AI could spread misinformation and be utilized in warfare. He called for robust regulation to mitigate these risks and protect the dignity of human life [3].
Issued from Vatican City on May 25, 2026 [2], the document arrives as international governments continue to struggle with consistent AI governance. The encyclical positions the Catholic Church as a moral watchdog over the rapid acceleration of machine learning and autonomous systems [1].
“"Artificial intelligence must be regulated to prevent it becoming a tool of domination, exclusion and death."”
The issuance of 'Magnifica Humanitas' signals that the Vatican intends to play a central role in the ethical governance of emerging technology. By linking AI concentration to the potential for war and domination, the Church is shifting the conversation from technical safety to global power dynamics, pressuring democratic and authoritarian regimes alike to adopt transparent, multilateral regulations.
