The Pope’s Warning: AI and the Future of Humanity

The Vatican has issued a sweeping manifesto on safeguarding humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. In his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), Pope Leo XIV calls for robust regulation of AI and urges its creators to prioritize the common good over profit.

This warning comes as no surprise given the Pope’s statements during his election that AI poses the biggest challenge facing humanity today. The manifesto sets itself apart from other warnings about unchecked technological advancement by emphasizing the need for external regulation, not just internal ethics. The Pope argues that having a few individuals in Silicon Valley decide what is moral or immoral with their technology is insufficient.

The concentration of power and data in private hands threatens children, the vulnerable, and human dignity itself. As the Pope wrote, “A more moral AI is not enough if that morality is determined by a few.” This critique extends beyond the tech industry to societal values.

Leo XIV’s text has historical significance as well. He traces the history of Catholic social teaching and applies its core concepts – justice, solidarity, the dignity of work, and the universal destination of resources – to the digital revolution. This is not just about AI; it’s about redefining our relationship with technology and how we use it to serve humanity.

The Pope’s appeal for a more nuanced approach to AI development resonates with experts in various fields. Taylor Black, a Microsoft AI executive, notes that the Pope’s call for reflection on what we’re doing with AI is timely, given the rapid pace of technological advancements. Paolo Carozza, a law professor at Notre Dame Law School and chair of the Meta oversight board, sees “Magnifica Humanitas” as a defining document for our era.

The manifesto critiques how AI has accelerated the normalization of war by desensitizing people to the cost of conflict. This makes it easier for nations and powers to engage in warfare without accountability. The Pope demands transparency and accountability from AI developers, particularly when it comes to decision-making command in ordering strikes with AI weaponry.

This is not a call for a complete ban on AI development; rather, it’s an appeal for responsible innovation that prioritizes human life and dignity over profit and power. As the Pope wrote, “The pursuit of greater profits cannot justify choices that systematically sacrifice jobs, because the human person is an end, not a means, and the economic order must remain subordinate to human dignity and the common good.”

In addition to his warnings about AI, the Pope has also issued the first-ever papal apology for the Holy See’s own role in legitimizing slavery. This apology acknowledges that our actions have consequences and can perpetuate harm if we do not take responsibility.

As AI continues to transform industries and jobs, the Pope’s call for protecting human dignity in labor is more pressing than ever. The manifesto reminds us that our economic order must remain subordinate to human flourishing, not the other way around. This is not just a moral imperative; it’s also a practical one. Automation and AI are replacing jobs, so we need to rethink how we support workers and ensure that technological advancements benefit everyone, not just a privileged few.