Anthropic Engages in AI Consciousness Debate with Pope Leo XIV

<figure> <img alt="Anthropic’s Christopher Olah, a dark-haired, clean-shaven man in a suit, shakes hands with Pope Leo XIV." src="https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/gettyimages-2277573822.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> Anthropic’s Christopher Olah shakes hands with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 25, 2026. | Alberto Pizzoli / AFP via Getty Images </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>This story appeared in&nbsp;</em>Today, Explained,<em>&nbsp;a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vox.com/today-explained-newsletter" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Subscribe here</a></em>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On May 25, 2026, Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. This meeting comes amid ongoing discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential consciousness.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Anthropic, the company behind the AI model Claude, has been exploring the implications of AI consciousness and has engaged with various religious thinkers to discuss ethical considerations. According to a report by the New York Times, some religious leaders noted that Anthropic team members appeared to attribute a degree of consciousness and moral status to Claude.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In contrast, Pope Leo XIV has expressed skepticism regarding the notion of AI consciousness. His encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," released earlier this year, argues that AI cannot replace human beings. Reports indicate that this stance has concerned Olah.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pope reiterated his position this week, stating that there is a fundamental difference between humans and machines. He emphasized that algorithms do not possess the essence of humanity, stating, "There is an ontological difference, even before an aesthetic one, between art and what a machine can generate through statistical calculation based on millions of images created by others."</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AI and Loneliness</strong></h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The debate over AI consciousness raises broader questions about the impact of AI on human relationships. Recent studies suggest that reliance on AI for companionship may lead to increased feelings of loneliness, particularly among middle school students. Professor Anne Maheux from UNC Chapel Hill noted that students seeking emotional intimacy from AI chatbots may develop unrealistic expectations about relationships, as chatbots lack the complexities of human interactions.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maheux explained that the agreeable nature of chatbots can create a disconnect from the nuanced dynamics of real human relationships, potentially leading to greater loneliness.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Additional Information</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong> Why is horror so fun?</strong> As October approaches, many may be planning horror-themed activities. Vox’s <em>Unexplainable</em> podcast discussed the psychology behind why people enjoy seeking out fear.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Before you go… </h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Did you know…</strong>that Disney’s “Magic Kingdom” in Florida is <a href="https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/504720/disney-utilidors-utility-tunnels-811">notable for its management of underground infrastructure</a>? This has implications for urban planning in other cities.</li> <li><strong>Today’s trivia:</strong> What musical note is equivalent to a G sharp? (Find the answer in Vox’s daily crossword.)</li> <li><strong>Yesterday’s trivia:</strong> The constellation containing the North Star and the Little Dipper is Ursa Minor.</li> </ul>