Pope Leo XIV Releases First Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence and Human Dignity
May 25, 2026 - Gresham, OR USA, Pope Leo XIV has officially released his first encyclical entitled Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), a groundbreaking Church document that addresses the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, human dignity, and the future of humanity in our digital age. ¹
The encyclical was unveiled at the Vatican on May 25, 2026, and swiftly attracted global attention from Church leaders, technology experts, educators, and governments. In this extensive 43,000-word document, Pope Leo XIV cautions that the unchecked development of AI could jeopardize truth, human freedom, employment, peace, and moral responsibility. ²
In his encyclical, Pope Leo calls for:
- Strong ethical regulation of artificial intelligence
- Protection of workers impacted by automation
- Safeguards against misinformation and manipulation
- Human oversight over military technologies
- Greater accountability from technology companies and governments
Emphasizing that technology should always serve humanity and not replace or control it, Pope Leo XIV likens the unbridled growth of AI to the biblical “Tower of Babel,” warning against pride and the concentration of power within a few corporations or political entities. ³
Additionally, the document addresses contemporary forms of “digital slavery,” which include exploitation through data collection, surveillance, and economic inequality. In a significant moment, Pope Leo acknowledges the Church’s past failure to condemn slavery and urges today’s society to prevent similar injustices facilitated by technology. ⁴
Observers within the Catholic community note that Magnifica Humanitas resonates with the spirit of Pope Leo XIII’s renowned 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which tackled workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution. Now, Pope Leo XIV positions the Church at the forefront of a major global transformation — this time, in the context of the AI revolution. ⁵
The Vatican characterized the encyclical as a plea for a “civilization of truth, dignity, and solidarity” in this digital era. ⁶
Read the full text of the encyclical: Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)
Footnotes/References:
Reuters. “Pope Leo urges world to slow down AI in fervent first manifesto.” May 25, 2026.
Reuters. “Pope Leo urges world to slow down AI in fervent first manifesto.” May 25, 2026.
New York Post. “Pope Leo XIV calls for robust regulation of AI in manifesto that ponders the future of humanity.” May 25, 2026.
The Guardian. “Pope Leo encyclical warns against technological slavery and AI abuse.” May 25, 2026.
National Catholic Register. “From Rerum Novarum to the AI Age: Pope Leo XIV’s Vision.” May 25, 2026.
El País. “Pope Leo XIV launches warning against techno-authoritarianism in first encyclical.” May 25, 2026.
Photo Credit: Vatican News