World
Pope Francis Warns of Artificial Intelligence Risks in 42,300-Word Encyclical
📅 May 25, 2026 11:00 ET
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GazetaDay Editorial
The document marks a significant intervention by the leader of the Roman Catholic Church into the debate surrounding the misuse or overuse of artificial intelligence.
Scope of the Encyclical
The 42,300-word encyclical, issued on May 25, 2026, addresses the moral implications of machine learning technologies. Pope Francis positions the church within the broader global discussion on artificial intelligence, focusing on ethical boundaries and potential societal harms.
Key Concerns Raised
The text warns against the unchecked deployment of artificial intelligence systems, particularly those that could exacerbate inequality or undermine human dignity. It emphasizes the need for a religious perspective on technology, calling for safeguards against the overreliance on automated decision-making.
Context
The Vatican has previously issued statements on emerging technologies, including a 2020 document on artificial intelligence ethics co-signed by technology companies. The current encyclical is among the most detailed religious critiques of machine learning risks to date, following similar cautionary interventions by other faith leaders regarding the moral implications of advancing automation.
Pope Francisartificial intelligenceVaticanCatholic ChurchA.I. regulationethicsencyclical