Pope Leo To Unveil First Encyclical Focused On Artificial Intelligence
Pope Leo will formally unveil his first major encyclical on May 25, with the Vatican confirming that the document will focus on the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity, workers’ rights and modern society.
The text, titled Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), was officially signed by the pontiff on Friday and is expected to become one of the Catholic Church’s most significant statements on artificial intelligence to date.
According to the Vatican, the encyclical will address “the protection of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence”.
Vatican Signals Strong Position On AI Risks
The document is expected to criticise the growing use of artificial intelligence in warfare while also examining the effects of automation and digital technologies on labour rights and human dignity.
Sources familiar with the text said the encyclical may provide the Church’s most comprehensive guidance on workers’ protections in decades.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, has repeatedly warned about the dangers associated with unchecked technological development since taking office. In recent speeches, he has criticised the use of AI-driven military systems and raised concerns about the ethical consequences of autonomous warfare.
Last week, during a speech at Europe’s largest university, the pope condemned what he described as the “inhumane evolution” of warfare driven by emerging technologies. He referred to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and Iran while warning against a growing “spiral of annihilation”.
Pope Breaks Tradition With Public Presentation
In a departure from long-standing Vatican tradition, Pope Leo will personally participate in the public presentation of the encyclical. Normally, such documents are introduced by Vatican cardinals or senior Church officials.
Joining the Vatican event will be Chris Olah, co-founder of artificial intelligence company Anthropic. Olah is known for his research into neural network mechanisms that underpin modern AI systems.
Anthropic has previously clashed with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump over safeguards related to military uses of artificial intelligence. The company has advocated for restrictions on autonomous weapons targeting and domestic surveillance applications.
The Vatican’s decision to involve a leading AI researcher reflects the Church’s growing interest in engaging directly with the technological sector as debates over AI governance intensify worldwide.
Historical Link To Workers’ Rights
The signing date of the encyclical also carries symbolic significance. Pope Leo signed the document on May 15, marking the 135th anniversary of a landmark encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII, which called for improved wages and working conditions during the industrial era.
Observers believe the new document may draw parallels between the social disruptions caused by the Industrial Revolution and the challenges now posed by artificial intelligence and automation.
John Thavis, a retired Vatican correspondent who covered three papacies, said a pope’s first encyclical traditionally outlines his core priorities and identifies major moral and social issues facing the modern world.
Pope Leo has increasingly taken outspoken positions on global political and economic issues in recent months. He also recently criticised the U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran, drawing attention from political leaders in Washington.
Earlier this year, the pope completed an apostolic exhortation initiated by the late Pope Francis calling for reforms to address widening global wealth inequality.
The previous encyclical, issued by Pope Francis in October 2024, urged Catholics to reject excessive materialism and focus more deeply on faith and social responsibility.
With inputs from Reuters