Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical on Monday, May 25, 2024, warning against the risks associated with artificial intelligence [2].
The document marks the first major doctrinal statement of the current papacy. It signals a strategic focus on the intersection of emerging technology and global ethics, positioning the Vatican as a critic of unregulated digital advancement.
Released from the Vatican, the encyclical is titled "Magnifica humanitas" [1]. The text consists of 42,300 words [1]. In the document, the Pope said the faithful should be alert to the dangers of the unrestrained use of artificial intelligence [3].
Beyond the scope of technology, the Pope used the encyclical to denounce wars [3]. The text connects the ethical failures of modern conflict with the potential for technological misuse to further destabilize human society.
The release follows a period of anticipation regarding the new pontiff's primary priorities. By focusing on AI, the Pope addresses a global concern regarding labor, truth, and human dignity in an era of automation.
While some reports initially suggested the document would arrive later, it was officially launched on May 25, 2024 [2]. The Vatican has not yet released a detailed implementation plan for the guidelines suggested in the text.
“Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical on Monday, May 25, 2024, warning against the risks associated with artificial intelligence.”
The publication of 'Magnifica humanitas' establishes a moral framework for the Catholic Church's stance on AI, mirroring a broader global movement toward AI regulation. By linking technological risks with the condemnation of war, the Vatican is framing AI not merely as a technical tool, but as a potential catalyst for systemic human rights violations and global instability.
