Pope Leo XIV Attends Presentation of First Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas on Artificial Intelligence at the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical this week, titled "Magnifica Humanitas" — or Magnificent Humanity — during a presentation at the Vatican on May 25, 2026. In the document, he compares the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in daily life to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where God punishes humanity for hubris. The pope explicitly states that "artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed," acknowledging the strong language is deliberate to capture attention and guide humanity.

Encyclical’s Core Message and AI’s Potential Benefits

The encyclical, which is book-length and difficult to summarize concisely, acknowledges the advances artificial intelligence can bring to fields such as medicine, research, and education. Pope Leo expressed openness to these developments but framed them within a broader cautionary narrative. He wrote bluntly: "The word is strong, I know, but deliberately chosen because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention, awakening consciences and indicating paths forward for humanity." The document urges a balanced approach, emphasizing that technological progress must not overshadow human dignity.

Concerns Over Job Displacement and Human Purpose

Pope Leo specifically addresses the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, noting that many jobs are already being replaced by automated systems. He argues that work provides human beings with a sense of purpose beyond mere economic utility. "Work is not simply an instrument," the pope writes. "The pursuit of greater profits cannot justify choices that systematically sacrifice jobs. The economic order must remain subordinate to human dignity and the common good." This section of the encyclical underscores a moral imperative to prioritize workers over corporate efficiency.

Limits of AI Compared to Human Wisdom

The pope contends that the vast amounts of data and information amassed by artificial intelligence systems do not equate to the understanding gained through lived human experiences such as joy, loss, fear, accomplishment, and connection. He writes that AI systems "may imitate language, behavior and analytical skills, or even simulate empathy and understanding, but they do not understand what they produce, for they lack the affective, relational and spiritual perspective through which human beings grow in wisdom… through choices, mistakes, forgiveness and fidelity." This distinction, he argues, is critical as society integrates AI into more aspects of life.

Risks of Illusory Relationships and Vulnerable Populations

The encyclical warns that chatbots can absorb and impersonate human expressions, sending out "words of advice, empathy, friendship and even love," which Pope Leo describes as engaging and at times genuinely helpful. However, he cautions: "It can also be misleading, creating the illusion of a relationship." This dynamic, he notes, makes those who feel lonely and anxious — a condition he acknowledges many experience — most vulnerable to being deceived. The pope raises a central question: will humanity use artificial intelligence to enrich not just global economies, but all of humanity?

Context

The Vatican has previously addressed technology ethics, including Pope Francis’s 2020 encyclical "Fratelli Tutti," which touched on digital relationships and social fragmentation. Other religious and secular bodies, such as the United Nations and the European Union, have also issued frameworks for responsible AI development, though none at the papal level.