Magnifica Humanitas: “Let’s not fear Artificial Intelligence, but constantly keep the question of the Human in play”

At the Vatican, on May 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV presented and promulgated his firs encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, calling for the “disarmament” of artificial intelligence and urging the world to place human dignity at the centre of technological progress.

Speaking before Church leaders, scientists, engineers and public officials, Pope Leo XIV described artificial intelligence as one of the defining challenges of the modern age.

Drawing parallels with Pope Leo XIII’s landmark 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the social consequences of the Industrial Revolution, Pope Leo XIV said humanity now faces a transformation “of similar magnitude, with perhaps even greater consequences.”

“Artificial intelligence already touches many areas of our lives and affects decisions that shape human coexistence,” the Pope said, warning against autonomous weapons systems, discriminatory algorithms, and technologies that deepen exclusion and injustice.

“Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed”

The Holy Father emphasized that the Church is not opposed to innovation but seeks ethical safeguards to ensure technology serves the common good. “Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed,” he declared, explaining that AI must be freed from “logics that turn it into an instrument of domination, exclusion and death.” He insisted that “when technology weakens our critical sense, peace itself is at risk”.

Recalling his missionary experience in Peru after devastating floods in 2017, Pope Leo XIV stressed that humanity must not only “disarm” harmful technologies but also “build” a future rooted in solidarity and hope. Citing the biblical figure Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, he urged governments, developers and communities to work together “brick by brick” toward a more just society. “Let’s not fear artificial intelligence but constantly keep the question of the human in play,” he said.

The Pope also called for a global conversation involving both technology experts and ordinary people affected by digital transformation.

Concluding the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV invited the Church and the world to become “artisans of hope,” building what he described as a “civilization of love” where technological progress respects every human person and safeguards peace.

Charles Ayetan

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English: Encyclical Letter MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS_EN

Français: Lettre encyclique MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS_FR

Português: Carta Encíclica MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS_PT