Pope Leo XIV’s ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ Encyclical Calls for Democratic Regulation of AI

On 15 May 2026 Pope Leo XIV issued the encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas*, the first of his pontificate, to address the societal impact of artificial intelligence. The document warns that AI used solely to cut costs and boost profit can lead to unemployment, worker de‑skilling, automated surveillance, and growing inequality, urging respect for human dignity in the workplace.

Luís Miguel Figueiredo Rodrigues, director of the Faculty of Theology at the Catholic University of Portugal, echoed the encyclical’s concerns, calling for democratic oversight of AI and warning against monopolies by large tech firms. He said, “Se é um bem comum, tem de ser regulamentado, protegido, e ter em conta que todos tenham acesso a esse bem comum.” Rodrigues also cautioned that “A inteligência artificial nunca erra e nunca diz que não sabe,” stressing the need for moral responsibility and critical education in the age of AI.