Pope Leo XIV Advocates for AI Regulation in New Encyclical

Pope Leo XIV has urged for strong regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and encouraged its developers to prioritize the common good over profit. His first encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity) highlights the need for protecting humanity as AI impacts various aspects of life, from employment to warfare.

AI’s Ethical Challenges

The American-born pope criticized the “culture of power” driving AI advancements, especially in warfare. He emphasized that irreversible and lethal decisions should not be entrusted to AI systems. This stance has sparked tension with the Trump administration, which has attempted to deregulate AI development.

Pope Leo XIV stated, “Artificial Intelligence now demands to be disarmed, freed from logics that turn it into an instrument of domination, exclusion, and death.”

The Vatican’s presentation of the encyclical included leaders from the tech industry and academia. The document addresses concerns about AI replacing human jobs and questions the impact on human intelligence.

Involvement with Technology Leaders

At the Vatican launch, Anthropic’s co-founder joined, despite the company being in legal conflict with the Trump administration over AI technology accessibility. The Vatican’s decision to include Anthropic is part of its ongoing efforts to engage Silicon Valley in discussions about AI’s societal impacts.

The pope criticized the concentration of power and data in few private sector hands, especially concerning children and vulnerable groups. He called for robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, and informed users to regulate AI effectively.

“A more moral AI is not enough if that morality is determined by a few,” Pope Leo XIV wrote.

Implications for AI Developers and Policymakers

Pope Leo XIV appealed to AI developers and political leaders to reflect on their responsibilities. He encouraged the use of ethical and spiritual guidelines to focus on humanity’s welfare rather than personal profit or power.

Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah welcomed the pope’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of external checks on AI to ensure it benefits humanity. He called for global involvement from religious communities, civil society, scholars, and governments. Olah stressed the need for informed critics and moral voices to guide AI development positively.

Historical Context and AI’s Future

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, connects with U.S. Catholics by incorporating social teaching traditions into AI discussions. His text applies core concepts of justice, solidarity, and resource allocation to the digital revolution. Experts believe the document could become a benchmark in AI debates, offering comprehensive guidance on technology serving humanity.

In addressing AI’s role in warfare, the pope criticized its contribution to desensitizing people to war’s costs. He demanded transparency and accountability from AI developers in military applications. He also declared the Catholic Church’s “just war” theory outdated given technological advances in warfare.

The Encyclical’s Legacy

Magnifica Humanitas was signed on the anniversary of Rerum Novarum, another pivotal church document by Pope Leo XIII. The current pope sees AI as posing similar questions as the Industrial Revolution. His encyclical continues a long tradition of adapting the church’s social doctrine to modern challenges, focusing on the dignity of work and human flourishing.

Pope Leo XIV condemned AI’s potential to undermine job security, stressing that the economic order must remain subordinate to human dignity and the common good. He also issued an apology for the church’s past role in legitimizing slavery.

The Vatican’s decade-long dialogue with Silicon Valley tech firms underscores the church’s proactive approach to AI’s human and ethical implications. Some critics viewed the inclusion of Anthropic in the encyclical’s launch as controversial, yet many see it as recognition of the company’s significant role in AI development and dialogue.

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