Pope Leo XIV's encyclical calls for new view on just war and AI‑driven truth

In the encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas*, Pope Leo XIV asks the Church to revisit the traditional doctrine of a "just war", favouring a narrower concept of legitimate defence and stressing that modern conflicts often exceed the criteria of proportionality and necessity. The document also tackles the societal impact of artificial intelligence, warning that digital platforms can manipulate information, erode social trust and jeopardise democratic life. It calls for an "ecology of communication" where truth is treated as a common good, demanding greater transparency, ethical AI development and education for critical thinking. As the Pope puts it, “democracy is not based only on institutions but on a common search for truth.”

The encyclical urges religious and civic leaders to promote responsible use of technology, protect human dignity and ensure that the power of digital intermediaries does not become a tool for unjust aggression or misinformation.