Pope Leo XIV issued a new encyclical on May 25, 2026 [1], calling for the "disarming" of artificial intelligence to protect human dignity.

The move signals a significant escalation in the Catholic Church's engagement with emerging technology. By framing AI as a potential weapon, the papacy is urging global leaders to implement strict controls to prevent a systemic crisis of human rights.

In the document titled "Magnifica Humanitas," the Pope warned that the rapid expansion of AI could lead to catastrophic outcomes if left unchecked. He specifically highlighted the risks of the technology being used to fuel warfare, exploitation, and new forms of slavery [1].

"The rapidly expanding technology risks fuelling warfare, exploitation and new forms of slavery unless it is placed firmly under human control," Pope Leo XIV said [6].

The encyclical argues that the integration of AI into military and economic systems may strip individuals of their agency. The Vatican suggests that without a global commitment to "disarm" these capabilities, the world faces a future where algorithmic decision-making replaces moral judgment.

Beyond the military implications, the text addresses the spiritual and existential threats posed by automation. The Pope emphasized that the primary goal for society must be the preservation of the human spirit over technical efficiency.

"Our challenge is to remain profoundly human in the age of artificial intelligence," Pope Leo XIV said [2].

The call for disarming AI comes as international debates over regulation intensify. The Vatican is positioning itself as a moral arbiter in the tech space, advocating for a framework where technology serves humanity rather than dominating it.

“"The rapidly expanding technology risks fuelling warfare, exploitation and new forms of slavery..."”

The issuance of 'Magnifica Humanitas' represents a shift from general ethical guidance to a specific demand for the 'disarming' of AI. By equating AI capabilities with weaponry, the Pope is attempting to move the conversation from corporate regulation to a global security and human rights framework, potentially influencing international treaties on autonomous weapons and labor rights.