Pope Leo XIV warned against the dangers of artificial intelligence in his first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," on Monday [1, 2].
The move signals a significant moral intervention from the Vatican as global powers struggle to regulate autonomous systems and AI-driven warfare. The Pope said that without strict oversight, technology could undermine the fundamental essence of human freedom.
In the document, the Pope urged the international community to implement regulations to safeguard human dignity [2, 3]. He specifically cautioned against the risk of AI-driven slavery and the potential for technology to dominate humanity [3, 4].
"Prevent new slavery," the Pope said [5].
A primary concern in the encyclical is the militarization of AI, particularly regarding autonomous weapons systems. The Pope said there is a need for disarmament to avoid escalating global conflicts through automated means [5].
"It is much easier to start a war than to stop it," the Pope said [2].
While the Vatican is calling for caution, the Pope said that the goal is not to reject technological progress entirely. He suggested that the focus must remain on the role of the person in a digital age [4].
"Let us not be afraid of artificial intelligence, but constantly keep the human being in mind," the Pope said [4].
The call for regulation comes as the Vatican seeks to position itself as a moral arbiter in the debate over how AI should be integrated into society and governance [2, 3].
“"Prevent new slavery."”
By issuing an encyclical on artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV is elevating AI ethics from a technical policy debate to a fundamental human rights issue. The focus on 'AI-driven slavery' and militarization suggests the Vatican will likely push for international treaties that mirror nuclear non-proliferation agreements, emphasizing that human agency must remain central to lethal decision-making.
