Pope Leo XIV has issued a lengthy encyclical warning against the rising risks associated with artificial intelligence and new technology [1].

The document signals a shift in the Vatican's approach to emerging tech by framing the development of AI as a fundamental moral crisis. By addressing the potential for technology to either liberate or enslave humanity, the Pope is positioning the church as a global monitor of digital ethics.

The encyclical consists of 43,000 words [1]. In the text, the Pope said humanity is alerted to the specific threats posed by the rapid deployment of AI systems [1]. He said the trajectory of these technologies must be guided by ethical constraints to avoid systemic harm [1].

This intervention comes as global regulators struggle to keep pace with the speed of AI innovation. The Pope said that without a moral framework, the technology risks becoming a tool for oppression, a concept the document describes in terms of slavery versus liberation [1].

While the encyclical has drawn supportive commentary from those concerned about algorithmic bias and automation, it has also faced criticism from those who view the warnings as alarmist [1]. The Vatican has not yet detailed specific policy recommendations for governments, but the document serves as a formal call for a global ethical standard [1].

“The Pope is positioning the church as a global monitor of digital ethics.”

The release of this encyclical indicates that the Catholic Church intends to exert soft power over the governance of artificial intelligence. By framing AI as a moral issue rather than a technical or economic one, the Vatican is attempting to influence the global discourse on digital rights and human dignity, potentially bridging the gap between religious ethics and international tech regulation.