Pope Leo XIV Encyclical Urges Human-Centered Approach to Artificial Intelligence Development

In his first letter as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV called for placing care for humans at the center of technological change, specifically addressing the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The encyclical, released on May 25, 2026, presents a moral framework for guiding innovation in the sector.

Core Message on Human Dignity

The letter emphasizes that technological progress must serve human well-being rather than subordinate human needs to efficiency or profit. The pontiff argued that AI systems should be designed and deployed with a primary focus on protecting human dignity, privacy, and social cohesion. The encyclical frames these principles as an extension of existing pontifical teaching on social justice and the common good.

Framework for Ethical Development

Pope Leo XIV’s document outlines a human-centric technology approach, urging developers, corporations, and governments to embed ethical considerations into every stage of artificial intelligence creation. The letter calls for transparency in algorithmic decision-making and accountability for unintended harms. It warns against allowing market forces alone to shape a technology that could alter employment, healthcare, and interpersonal relationships.

Context

The encyclical joins a growing body of religious and secular calls for AI ethics. In 2020, the Vatican itself endorsed the “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” a set of principles signed by technology firms and academic institutions. Other faith leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, have separately issued statements urging moral guardrails on autonomous systems and data surveillance.