Pope Leo XIV issues encyclical on AI and human dignity

The Catholic Church is engaging in a global dialogue regarding the ethical and theological implications of Artificial Intelligence, centered on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, ‘Magnifica Humanitas’. Published in May 2026, the document provides a framework for preserving human dignity in the digital age, arguing that AI should serve humanity rather than replace it.

In Brussels, representatives from the European Parliament, religious institutions, and civil society met to discuss the encyclical. Discussions emphasized that technology should not be viewed as a threat but as a tool that, when guided by human magnificence, can benefit society. Similarly, in Padua, religious leaders and medical professionals met to explore how digital innovation and narrative medicine can complement the humanization of healthcare.

The encyclical addresses risks such as human alienation, lack of regulation, and the potential de-humanization of warfare through autonomous technology. It calls for a constructive dialogue between faith and science, advocating for a future where human intelligence and artificial intelligence coexist to support human well-being.