Pope Leo XIV has presented Magnifica Humanitas, the first encyclical of his papacy, warning that artificial intelligence must be “disarmed” and placed under stronger ethical and public oversight.
Speaking at the Vatican’s Aula Nuova del Sinodo on Monday (25 May), the Pope said: “Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed,” adding that the term was “deliberately chosen because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention, awakening consciences, and indicating paths forward for humanity.”
Drawing comparisons with nuclear disarmament, Pope Leo XIV warned that AI risked becoming “an instrument of domination, exclusion, and death” if left unchecked. He stated that “decisions about technology must never be separated from conscience and responsibility” and stressed that AI “must be at the service of all and of the common good”.
The encyclical also raises concerns over AI warfare, digital manipulation, labour exploitation and misinformation. The Pope warned that “when technology weakens our critical sense, peace itself is at risk” and argued that ethical safeguards are necessary as governments and technology companies rapidly expand AI systems.
The document additionally included one of the Vatican’s strongest apologies for the Catholic Church’s historical role in slavery, with Pope Leo XIV expressing “deep sorrow” and asking forgiveness for the suffering endured.
Encyclicals are formal papal teaching documents traditionally addressed to Catholic bishops, though in modern times they are often written as broader messages to governments, institutions and the international community on major global issues.
ℹ️ AP News
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