Vatican Pope Leon XIV Issues First AI‑Focused Encyclical Warning of Risks

Pope Leon XIV released the Vatican’s first encyclical devoted entirely to artificial intelligence, titled *Magnifica Humanitas* on 25 May 2026. The document cautions that AI can concentrate technological power, spread disinformation and threaten workers through automation, urging that development respect human dignity and the common good. It calls for international standards and coordinated action among governments, tech firms, academia and civil society to prevent misuse, surveillance and inequality.

Commentary on the encyclical argues it frames AI regulation within a broader critique of “social capitalism,” positioning the Church’s stance as a counter‑point to prevailing economic doctrines. The analysis highlights the encyclical’s emphasis on ethical limits, inclusive growth and the need for policy that safeguards innovation while protecting societal values.