Pope Leo says Artificial Intelligence must be 'disarmed'

Marking the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's landmark social encyclical on the Industrial Revolution, Pope Leo XIV has released his first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.

Published on Monday, the document identifies artificial intelligence as one of the defining challenges of the modern age. The Pope warns that humanity faces a crucial choice: either to build a new "Tower of Babel" driven by power and division, or to create a society rooted in communion between God and humanity.

While stressing that technology itself is not evil, Pope Leo says AI is never neutral because it reflects the values of those who design, finance and control it. He urges governments, businesses and individuals to ensure technology serves the common good and upholds human dignity, truth, social justice and peace.

"Artificial Intelligence already touches many areas of our lives and affect decisions that shape human coexistence. It is also dramatically changing how war is waged. I hear very troubling accounts of algorithms that can block access to healthcare, employment and security on the basis of data tainted by prejudice and injustice. Let's not fear Artificial Intelligence but constantly keep the question of the human in play. We cannot be careless with our most powerful technical instruments," said the Pontiff.

The encyclical also criticizes transhumanist ideas that seek to overcome human limitations through technological progress, arguing instead that human fragility and finitude are essential aspects of the human condition and openness to others and to God.

Concluding the document, Pope Leo calls on the faithful to navigate the age of artificial intelligence in the light of the Gospel, insisting that even in a technological era, humanity can continue to reflect the grandeur of God's creation.