Pope Leo XIV issues encyclical on artificial intelligence ethics

Pope Leo XIV has released his first encyclical, titled ‘Magnifica humanitas’, which addresses the ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence. The text emphasizes the need to protect human dignity and values to ensure identity is not overwhelmed by algorithms and computing.

While the Church does not oppose technological innovation, the encyclical calls for these advancements to be integrated into a human and relational vision. It notes that artificial intelligence lacks fundamental human qualities such as compassion, mercy, love, friendship, forgiveness, and prayer.

The document warns against allowing industrial groups to dictate social, economic, and political choices through technology. It cautions that scientific achievements decoupled from moral ethics risk reducing human beings to mere components of a performance-driven system.