Pope Leo XIV’s ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ encyclical tackles AI, social doctrine and just war theory

Pope Leo XIV released the encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” on 15 May 2026, addressing the protection of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. The document warns that AI can de‑qualify workers, create algorithmic domination and spread misinformation, urging the creation of independent audit bodies, public access to code and strong international cooperation to keep technology under human control.

Italian commentators note the encyclical’s relevance for sectors such as pharmacy, where industry leaders cite the Pope’s call for ethical oversight amid contract disputes and burnout. Scholars compare the text to earlier Catholic social teaching, especially *Rerum Novarum*, seeing it as a modern continuation of the Church’s social doctrine applied to digital transformation.

The encyclical also revisits the Catholic just‑war tradition. Paragraph 192 states that classic just‑war criteria have become “outdated,” yet the Pope reaffirms the right to self‑defense under strict conditions, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and prevent the normalization of war. This nuance has sparked debate in the United States and elsewhere about the Church’s stance on contemporary conflicts.