Pope Leo XIV Issues First Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence

<p>Pope Leo XIV has issued a warning regarding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), suggesting it could resemble a new Tower of Babel, concentrating power, undermining truth, and reducing individuals to mere data points. This statement was made in his first encyclical titled <em>Magnifica Humanitas</em>, released on May 15, 2026, at St. Peter's Basilica.</p><p>The encyclical, which spans 43,000 words, emphasizes that while AI can be beneficial, it is inherently influenced by the values of its creators. Pope Leo highlighted several concerns regarding AI:</p><ol><li>AI may diminish human judgment by providing immediate answers that discourage creativity and critical thinking.</li><li>AI can create an illusion of care without genuine relationships, potentially misleading vulnerable users.</li><li>AI could exacerbate inequality, as data and resources are often controlled by a limited number of entities.</li><li>AI might threaten democratic processes by spreading disinformation and obscuring the distinction between fact and fiction.</li><li>AI could facilitate warfare by accelerating decision-making in lethal situations, distancing accountability from human actors.</li></ol><p>Experts have noted the significance of this encyclical in the context of AI ethics. Meghan Sullivan, director of Notre Dame's Institute for Ethics and the Common Good, remarked that Pope Leo is positioning himself as a key figure in this field. Mirela Oliva, a philosophy professor, suggested that the encyclical should be viewed as a call to ensure that the development of AI prioritizes human dignity. Dan Rober, a Catholic Studies professor, indicated that the encyclical's influence may extend to shaping discussions around AI regulation.</p>