GoKawiilPope Leo XIV talks to journalists as he leaves his residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome, May 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In ‘Magnifica Humanitas,’ Leo's 83-page manifesto on AI, the pope tackles the social, economic and political challenges associated with artificial intelligence.
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV took direct aim at the power of Big Tech in his first encyclical on Monday (May 25), warning that artificial intelligence risks widening inequality, weakening democracy and undermining what it means to be human.
The 83-page papal teaching document, titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), frames AI as the new industrial revolution and makes an appeal to “disarm AI” by removing it from military and economic interests, subjecting AI companies to stricter state and international regulations and inviting the broad participation of individuals and communities in shaping the future of this rapidly developing technology.
“Disarming AI means freeing it from the mentality of ‘armed’ competition, which today is not limited simply to the military context, but is also an economic and cognitive phenomenon,” Leo wrote. “Disarming does not mean renouncing technology, but preventing it from dominating humanity,” he added.
“For this reason, merely regulating it is insufficient; it must be disarmed, welcoming and accessible,” the document read.
Leo also took on Big Tech in the document, highlighting the dangers of having a few wealthy individuals influence the future and livelihood of humanity, widening the gap “between those who can participate in the digital revolution and those who remain on the margins.”
“AI tends to amplify the power of those who already possess economic resources, expertise and access to data,” he wrote. “Small but highly influential groups can shape information and consumption patterns, influence democratic processes and steer economic dynamics to their own advantage, undermining social justice and solidarity among peoples.”
... continue reading