Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical on Monday, May 25, 2026 [1], calling for the robust regulation of artificial intelligence.
The move signals a direct intervention by the Vatican into the global tech debate, positioning the church as a moral arbiter in the race to develop advanced AI. By urging developers to prioritize the common good over profit, the Pope seeks to ensure that technological progress does not outpace human ethics.
In the manifesto, Pope Leo XIV argues that AI impacts all aspects of human life and requires strict oversight to safeguard the future of humanity [2]. He said that the development of these technologies must serve the collective interest of society rather than the financial gains of a few corporations [3].
The document emphasizes a need for the world to slow down the pace of AI integration to allow for a deeper understanding of its societal implications [4]. This call for caution comes as AI continues to permeate global infrastructure and labor markets.
While the primary focus of the encyclical remains the regulation of technology, some reports indicate the document also contains a historic apology for the role of the Holy See in legitimizing slavery [5]. This addition would mark a significant shift in how the Vatican addresses historical grievances alongside modern challenges.
Pope Leo XIV said that developers must work for the common good to prevent the dehumanization of society [2]. The Vatican has not yet specified the exact legal mechanisms it recommends for these regulations, but the manifesto serves as a moral framework for international policymakers [3].
“Pope Leo XIV calls for the robust regulation of artificial intelligence.”
This encyclical represents a strategic effort by the Catholic Church to influence international AI policy by framing technical regulation as a moral imperative. By linking the future of humanity to the ethics of AI development, the Vatican is attempting to shift the conversation from economic competitiveness to human rights and social stability.
