Pope Leo XIV issued the encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas,” warning that artificial intelligence must be disarmed to prevent domination and the loss of human dignity [2, 3, 4].

The move signals a direct confrontation between the Catholic Church and the rapid expansion of generative technology. By framing AI as a potential tool for inequality and the concentration of power among tech elites, the Vatican is positioning itself as a moral arbiter in the global debate over algorithmic governance [2, 3].

During a public address in St. Peter’s Square on Nov. 8, 2025 [1, 4], the pope said the technology poses a fundamental risk to the human spirit. He said, "AI has no soul" [6]. The encyclical further asserts that machines can never replace human morality or consciousness [3].

This theological stance arrives amid a polarized reception from the technology sector. While some view the warnings as necessary guardrails, other tech industry leaders have reacted with skepticism to the call for "disarming" AI [3]. The document specifically targets the risk of AI becoming a mechanism for domination by a small group of powerful actors [2, 3].

Political figures have also noted the intervention. Vice President JD Vance (R-OH) said the pope tackled the topic [5]. The discourse surrounding the encyclical has been complicated by digital misinformation. In September 2025, rumors of a papal warning circulated online [1], leading some fact-checkers to label certain viral videos as AI-generated fabrications [1].

Despite these contradictions in digital reporting, the official text of “Magnifica Humanitas” remains the central pillar of the Vatican's current policy. The pope's message emphasizes that the pursuit of technological progress must not come at the expense of human dignity, or the moral autonomy of the individual [2, 4].

“"AI has no soul"”

The Vatican is attempting to establish a moral framework for AI that prioritizes human consciousness over computational efficiency. By calling for the 'disarmament' of AI, Pope Leo XIV is not suggesting a total ban, but rather a systemic limitation on how AI is used to concentrate wealth and power. This creates a significant ideological rift between religious institutions and the Silicon Valley ethos of accelerationism.