Pope Leo XIV Issues 'Magnifica Humanitas' Encyclical on AI Ethics

On May 15, Pope Leo XIV released a new encyclical titled *Magnifica Humanitas*, addressing the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The document warns that AI, while not inherently hostile, can threaten human dignity if controlled by a few private interests. It outlines four major concerns: the need for truth as a common good in an era of deepfakes, a call for “AI fasting” in education to protect critical thinking, the protection of workers from automated surveillance and job displacement, and the danger of new forms of digital slavery and data colonialism that exploit vulnerable populations.

The Pope urges a public, pluralistic debate on AI development, emphasizing transparent algorithmic processes, responsible data use, and the reintegration of human values into technology. He draws biblical analogies, contrasting a “Babel syndrome” of homogenisation with the collaborative rebuilding represented by the figure of Nehemiah, to illustrate the moral path forward.