Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical on Monday, declaring artificial intelligence a profound moral and existential threat to the modern age [4, 5].
The document marks a significant shift in the Vatican's approach to technology, framing the regulation of AI as a spiritual and moral necessity rather than a purely technical or legal issue.
In the 42,300-word text [3], the Pope said AI is a "valuable tool" but labeled it one of the biggest threats to humanity [1]. He argued that the technology poses a direct risk to human dignity, labor markets, and global stability [1, 4, 5].
Leo XIV called for the implementation of strong regulations to curb the risks associated with the technology. He specifically urged the global community to "disarm AI" in order to protect the common good [1].
The manifesto suggests that the Church must name and address this crisis as a matter of faith. The Pope said that evil must be named for what it is to be effectively countered [2].
This directive follows a broader trend of warnings regarding the rapid integration of AI into governance and warfare. The Pope's text emphasizes that the pursuit of technological advancement must not supersede the inherent value of human life [4, 5].
“"Artificial intelligence, though a 'valuable tool,' is one of the biggest threats to humanity."”
By framing AI as a moral crisis in a formal encyclical, Pope Leo XIV is leveraging the theological authority of the papacy to push for international regulatory frameworks. This move elevates the debate over AI safety from a policy discussion to a spiritual mandate, potentially mobilizing millions of global followers to demand 'disarmament' of autonomous systems and stricter ethical constraints on developers.
