Pope Leo XIV issues first encyclical on artificial intelligence

Pope Leo XIV has issued his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, making artificial intelligence the centrepiece of his opening statement to the Church and the world, according to Project Syndicate. The encyclical represents an unusual choice for a papal opening document—traditionally, new popes have addressed doctrine, faith, or moral theology—and signals the Vatican's assessment that AI poses questions of sufficient weight to demand immediate papal attention.

The encyclical is described by Project Syndicate as "clear-eyed about the limits of techno-utopianism," suggesting the Pope has rejected both uncritical enthusiasm for AI and apocalyptic warnings. Instead, the Vatican frames AI as a technology that must be directed toward human flourishing and guided by ethical principles rooted in Catholic teaching. The document calls for "more thought and action about AI" among policymakers and the public, religious or secular.

Project Syndicate's commentary, written by Peter Singer, argues that while the Pope's framing is welcome, it remains incomplete. Singer contends that the encyclical's focus on human flourishing does not adequately address the interests of "every sentient being, human and nonhuman, biological or—possibly—artificial." This critique suggests the Vatican's approach, though progressive on AI, remains anthropocentric in its ethical foundations.