Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical on May 26, 2026 [1], urging governments and global institutions to slow the development of artificial intelligence.
The move signals a significant intervention by the Catholic Church into the global tech race. By calling for a deceleration of AI progress, the Vatican is positioning itself as a moral arbiter against the rapid deployment of autonomous systems that may outpace human legal and ethical frameworks.
In the document, titled *Magnifica Humanitas*, the Pope warned that unchecked AI development threatens human dignity and could be utilized for war [2]. He called for the adoption of robust ethical regulation, and oversight to safeguard humanity [3].
"We must slow down the development of artificial intelligence," Pope Leo XIV said [4].
Beyond the existential risks of warfare, the Pope addressed the economic impact of automation. He argued that the drive for corporate efficiency should not come at the expense of the global workforce, a concern that reflects the Church's long-standing focus on labor rights.
"The pursuit of greater profits cannot justify choices that systematically sacrifice jobs," Pope Leo XIV said [5].
The encyclical marks the first official teaching document of his papacy [1]. It serves as a formal appeal to world leaders to prioritize human welfare over technological acceleration.
"Artificial intelligence must be governed by ethical oversight and regulation to protect humanity," Pope Leo XIV said [6].
The Vatican's call for a slowdown comes as AI integration accelerates across various sectors of the global economy, raising concerns about the displacement of workers and the loss of human agency in critical decision-making processes.
“"We must slow down the development of artificial intelligence."”
The issuance of this encyclical moves the Vatican from a position of observation to active advocacy for AI regulation. By explicitly linking AI development to the sacrifice of jobs and the threat of war, Pope Leo XIV is attempting to build a global coalition of ethical restraint. This puts the Church in direct tension with tech corporations and governments pursuing AI supremacy for economic or military advantage.
